The growth of Brassica chinensis in heavy-metal-contaminated sewage sludge compost from Hong Kong

摘要: Abstract A plant growth experiment was performed to evaluate the of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) in a sewage sludge compost derived from both industrial and domestic containing high metal salt contents. loamy soil amended with at application rates equivalent 0, 5·9, 11·7, 29·2 58·5 tonne ha−1 on dry weight basis. Addition caused slight increase pH, significant electrical conductivity (EC) soluble K, Ca, Mg, NH+4 PO3−4 DTPA-extractable Cu Zn contents increased significantly according rate, while noted only highest rate for Cd, Pb Ni. The yield amendment as compared control without fertilizer 5–10% rate. An accumulation Cu, Zn, Ni observed an amendment. Among metals studied, Cd had tissue content higher than maximum permitted concentration vegetables 10%. Therefore, stringent guidelines should be set produced Hong Kong edible crop production. Besides, long-term effect trace plants also investigated.