Phytoextraction of arsenic, nickel, selenium and zinc from sewage sludge: from laboratory to pilot scale

Abstract Aims The present study aimed at: (i) verifying the suitability of pure sewage sludge (SS) as growing medium for hyperaccumulator species ( Pteris vittata , Odontarrhena chalcidica, Astragalus bisulcatus and Noccaea caerulescens ); (ii) evaluating removal As, Ni, Se Zn operated by chosen species; (iii) estimating potential metal yields (bio-ore production) connected monetary rewards in a small-scale field experiment. Methods Hyperaccumulator plants were first tested under controlled conditions, on three different SS (P1, P2, P3) characterized presence one or more contaminants among Zn. P1 was then seedlings transferred cultivated 16 weeks before harvesting. Results All grew healthy SS, with A. O. chalcidica reaching an average biomass 40.2 21.5 g DW/plant. Trace concentrations aerial parts were: As P. vittata) 380 mg/kg DW, Ni chalcidica) 683 bisulcatus) 165 N. caerulescens) 461 DW. total from due to phytoextraction 5.8, 19, 18, 29% respectively. Conclusions This demonstrated that can be applied while recovering valuable metals. identified most promising target element, poorly efficient experimental conditions.