Stabilization of heavy metals contaminated soil by vermicompost and sewage sludge: metals bioavailability and soil enzyme activities

Heavy metal stabilization have been widely used as effective soil remediation strategy. In present study, vermicompost (VC) and sewage sludge (SS) as organic amendments used to reducing availability of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in contaminated soil. Application of both amendments decreased availability of metals in soil. Soil organic matter content and available phosphorous and potassium was improved after 2 month stabilization. On the other hand, the soil enzyme activity was increased significantly under application of sewage sludge. The results indicated that organic amendments can be used as effective approach for management of contaminated land.

Keywords:

sewage sludge , vermicompost , heavy metal , Enzyme activities , metal stabilization