Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae
Published on: July 10, 2015
Heavy metal speciation and phytotoxic effects of three representative sewage sludges for agricultural uses
1Departamento de Medioambiente, INIA, Apartado de Correos 8111, 28080 Madrid, Spain. walter@inia.es
Abstract:
The environmental impact of sewage sludges depends on the availability and phytotoxicity of their heavy metal. The influence of representative sludges (dewatered anaerobic, pelletization, and composted sludge) on the availability of heavy metals, and their effects on seed germination were compared. The total heavy metal concentrations were below the maximum permitted for land-applied waste and the differences among them were small. The DTPA-extracted metal concentrations were rather different. The sequential extraction of the compost showed a slight increase in Cd and Cu availability, and a decrease in the availability of Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. Pelletization increased the availability of Ni and slightly reduced that of Cr. The dewatering sludge led to greater availability of Cr and Mn but reduced the concentration of Cd. The three different sludges also affected seed germination and root elongation in different ways. The most serious adverse effects were caused by the dewatered sludge extract.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Microbial Leaching
Acid Mine Drainage
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water

