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Nutrient and trace element dynamics in blended topsoils containing spent foundry sand and compost
Richard C Stehouwer1, Jennifer M Hindman, Kirsten E Macdonald
1Crop and Soil Science Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-3504, USA. rcs15@psu.edu
Journal of Environmental Quality
|February 24, 2010
Summary
Spent foundry sand (SFS) blended with compost creates effective topsoil substitutes with low contaminant risk. The primary environmental concern is nutrient leaching, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from composts with low carbon-to-nitrogen ratios.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Environmental agencies often restrict the use of spent foundry sand (SFS) in topsoil due to concerns about contaminant leaching and plant uptake.
- SFS has potential as a component in blended synthetic topsoil materials when combined with compost.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the environmental risks, specifically contaminant leaching and plant uptake, associated with using SFS in blended synthetic topsoils.
- To evaluate the performance of SFS-compost blends as topsoil substitutes compared to natural soils.
Main Methods:
- A three-year field experiment was conducted using lysimeters to monitor leachate.
- Plots were planted with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to assess plant uptake.
- Blended synthetic topsoils were created using three types of SFS and three types of compost.
Main Results:
- Plants grown on blended soils showed improved growth compared to those on natural soils.
- Nutrient and trace element concentrations in plants were generally within normal ranges, with some elevated levels of N, P, K, S, B, Cu, Mo, and Zn in plants from blended soils.
- Leachate analysis indicated increased leaching of P, K, and Cu from blended soils. Some blended soils also leached higher levels of As, Mo, and Zn.
- No polyaromatic hydrocarbons or phenolics were detected in leachates; arsenic levels in leachate exceeded drinking water standards in only one instance.
Conclusions:
- The use of SFS in blended topsoils poses a low risk regarding trace metal and organic contaminants.
- Blended soils with SFS and compost are viable topsoil substitutes.
- The main environmental risk identified is nitrogen and phosphorus leaching, particularly from immature composts or those with low C/N ratios.
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