Work

Developing a sustainable nature-based agricultural vertical system in cadmium polluted urban environments

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Sustainable urban development faces challenges in efficiently using spaces, reducing pollutants, and greening cities. We examined how cadmium accumulation in soils from polluted irrigation water affects marigold ( Calendula officinalis L.) safe and healthy products and how plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) can remediate cadmium on marigold for multifunctional urban vertical system development. The study was a factorial arrangement with a randomized complete block design. The first factor was cadmium (0, 1, 2 and, 3 mg/kg soil through irrigation with Cadmium-polluted water), and the second factor was PGPR treatments ( P.flu, P.putida, T.SP , Mix1 ( P.flu + A.lipo ), Mix2 ( T.SP+ A.choro ), Mix 3 (P.flu + A.lipo + T.SP+ A.choro) ), and the control. In all the PGPR treatments, total chlorophyll, flowers' fresh and dry weight and antioxidant enzymes' activity significantly increased ( p ≤ 0.05). There was no obvious risk to human health for oral and dermal use of marigold products in bacterial inoculated treatments (1 > Health Risk Index). Using flower of the plants treated with Thiobacillus thioparus strain 300 , Mix1 ( P.flu + A.lipo ), Mix2 ( T.SP+ A.choro ), Mix3 ( P.flu + A.lipo + T.SP + A.choro ), if irrigated with Cd polluted water to reach up to 2 mg/kg accumulation in soil were safe and healthy ( Estimated Daily Intake < 0.001 , Carcinogenetic Risk <1E-6, Target Hazard Quotient <1). Therefore, this research, for the first time, showed that using nature-based combined soil bacteria strains, we can create vertical green systems with double functionality: pollution remediation and healthy marigold flower production in cadmium-contaminated soils of up to 2 mg/kg.

Source: Ecological Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2024.107385

Authors: Fatemeh Kazemi, Mansoure Jozay

Institutions: Edith Cowan University, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Life on land, Zero hunger, Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650