Effects of organic rich sediment application to spoil dumps - microcosm study
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| Year of publication | 2005 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | The main aim of this work was to find possible recultivation of spoil dump soil by the application of organic rich sediment from freshwater reservoir. It was supposed that the sediment application should have a positive effect to the substrate quality. Sediment and dump soil were mixed in different ratios and the development of many soil parameters was evaluated. Experiment was realized as pot study, with two replicates for each test treatment. The test treatments were: only dump soil, only sediment, and sediment and dump soil mixtures as 1:10, 1:2, and 1:1. Arable soil with well known properties was used as control. Six kilograms of the test substrate was introduced into each pot and maintained at controlled conditions. Experiment duration was 4 weeks. Microbial parameters (microbial biomass, respiration, N mineralization, nitrification, functional diversity) were measured after 14 and 28 days from experiment beginning. Development of plant germination, emergence, and growth were monitored during experiment. Earthworms reproduction was evaluated in substrates at the end of the experiment. Changes of physical and chemical parameters, heavy metal content, persistent organic pollutant contamination, and structural characteristics of substrates were monitored too. Results of microbial parameters reflected positive influence of the sediment application to the spoil dump soil. Plant growth and emergence were also positively affected by sediment. Earthworms reproduction was not affected. Based on experiment results, the application of the organic rich sediment from freshwater reservoir was proved to improve soil quality of spoil dump. Finally, its a question to equilibrate ratio sediment to soil practically applicable in real dump sites according to economic costs. |
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