Heavy Metal Dynamics in Crops Grown on Municipal Solid Waste Compost-amended Soils

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46488/

Keywords:

MSW compost, Heavy metals, Soil amendment, Biococentration factor, Translocation factor

Abstract

Growing interest in using compost derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in agriculture raises critical questions about its ecological safety, particularly the accumulation pattern of potentially toxic heavy metals in food and fodder crops. This study assessed the effects of a single application of MSW compost on soil heavy-metal dynamics and plant uptake in Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Ragi (Eleusine coracana), Maize (Zea mays), and Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus). The compost complied with the maximum permissible heavy-metal limits prescribed under the Fertilizers Control Order (FCO, 1985). Welch’s t-test revealed significant crop-specific changes in soil metal concentrations following compost amendment, with overall reductions in Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cr relative to control soils. Bioconcentration and translocation factors indicated root immobilization and limited transfer to aerial tissues. Essential metals (Zn and Cu) showed regulated uptake, while potentially toxic metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr) were largely phyto-stabilized. Overall, integrating soil statistics with BCF–TF analysis demonstrated that FCO-compliant MSW compost does not enhance heavy-metal mobility or food-chain transfer under a one-time field application. These findings provide field-level validation of existing regulatory standards supporting its safe, sustainable agricultural use.    

Author Biographies

  • Kavitha B.S., Bangalore University, Bengaluru.

    Kavitha B.S. holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Education and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Environmental Science at Bangalore University. Her research explores contaminant fate modelling, soil health, and ecological risk assessment, with a particular focus on heavy metal uptake in plants grown in amended soils.

  • Dr. R.K. Somashekar, Bangalore University, Bengaluru.

    Dr. R.K. Somashekar is a distinguished environmental scientist and educator, currently serving as Research Supervisor and BSR Faculty Fellow in the Department of Environmental Science at Bangalore University, Bengaluru. With four decades of academic and research experience, Dr. Somashekar has guided numerous doctoral and postgraduate scholars, contributing significantly to the advancement of environmental science in India. His expertise spans environmental monitoring, pollution assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, and sustainable resource management, with a strong emphasis on integrating scientific research into policy and practice. As a mentor, he is deeply committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, nurturing young researchers, and advancing knowledge that addresses pressing ecological and societal challenges.

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Issue

December 2026 (Forthcoming Issue)

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Articles