Effect of anaerobic fermentation residues on a chromium-contaminated soil-vegetable system

Abstract Wastewater irrigation and the deposit of chromium residues during the course of chromate production had caused serious chromium pollution in farmland. The aim of this study was to use anaerobic fermentation residues to treat with a chromium-contaminated soil-vegetable system. Pot experiment with Chinese cabbage, indoor cultivation experiment and soil adsorption experiments were conducted in this study. The results indicated that both yields and residual chromium in Chinese cabbages with the treatment of anaerobic fermentation residues were generally better than that with the treatment of chemical fertilizer. At the second experiment, compared with raw soil, mineralized potential and mineralized rate of nitrogen increased 29.2% and 15.4% respectively after adding anaerobic fermentation residues. Experimental results were fitted to Langmuir equation, Freundlich equation and Temkin equation, Langmuir equation was found to be the best to describe the adsorption of phosphor, and Temkin equation was the fittest for describing the adsorption of potassium. The supply of nitrogen, phosphor and potassium from soil were enhanced in varying degree (nitrogen > phosphor >potassium). Thus anaerobic fermentation residues may be considered as a widespread, effective and safe strategy for deal with chromium-contaminated soil-vegetable system in future.