Phytoremediation of arable sludged soils ("PASS")

Completed

Not Energy Related
Renewable Energy Sources(Bio-Energy, Production of other biomass-derived fuels (incl. Production from wastes))

Basic and strategic applied research

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr S Young
Biosciences
University of Nottingham

Standard

BBSRC

01 March 2003

31 May 2006

39 months

£131,696

Power

East Midlands

BBSRC Energy Grants

Dr S Young, Biosciences, University of Nottingham

Mr C Black, University of Nottingham
Professor JN Crout, Biosciences, University of Nottingham
Dr H West, Biosciences, University of Nottingham

Objectives not supplied

Phyto-extraction strategies for arable land will be tested at a dedicated sludge disposal site (700 ha) operated by Severn Trent Water Ltd in Nottinghamshire. Our approach will employ (i) field and pot trials incorporating various plant and soil amendment strategies, (ii) modelling metal solubility and uptake (iii) risk assessment with respect to human health, groundwater contamination and soil health and (iv) an economic appraisal of the viability of each strategy over an extended time period.The cropping systems tested will focus on coppiced willow grown as a bio-fuel but will also include high biomass crops and a Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator. The overall objective will be to develop an advice system to predict the strategy most suited to ameliorating soils subject to metal enrichment from the past and future sludge applications.

14/12/07