Effect of different sewage sludge applications on growth and yield of Vigna radiata L. field crop: Metal uptake by plant

The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of sewage sludge use for mung bean {Vigna radiata L. cv. Malviya janpriya (HUM 6)} plants by evaluating the growth, and yield responses, nutritional quality and heavy metal accumulation at different sewage sludge amendment (SSA) rates. Sewage sludge amendment modified the physico-chemical properties of soil by decreasing pH and increasing organic carbon, total iron and heavy metals. Plants showed increments in shoot length, leaf area and total biomass at all SSA rates, but root length increased only up to 9 kg m(-2) SSA rates. Plants grown at different SSA rates showed higher nutrients and heavy metals in seeds, but protein content declined. Sewage sludge application caused about 39, 76 and 60% more yield at 6, 9 and 12 kg m(-2) treatments, respectively. Concentrations of Pb and Ni in grains were higher than the Indian permissible limits at and above 9 kg m-2 and of Cd at 12 kg m(-2) SSA rates. The study suggests that SSA at a rate lower than 9 kg m(-2) may be recommended due to better fertilizing value for soil and promoting mung bean yield. Higher rate of sewage sludge application leads to elevated accumulation of heavy metals in seeds, which limits the suitability for human consumption. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.