Comparative Study of Metal Translocation from Tannery Sludge Amended Soil to Capsicum Annuum L. under the Influence of Chelants: Effect on Growth Parameters

The study comparatively assess the enhancement of metal translocation to shoot edible part and overall growth effect in Capsicum annuum L. grown on tannery sludge ammended with three different chelants. A comparison between the effects of application of three chelants on the growth and metal accumulation in C. annuum L. grown on tannery sludge amended soil was conducted to assess the enhancement of the metal translocation to the shoots, edible part and the overall effect on the growth. The analysis of the results revealed that all the morphological parameters (except number of leaves), chlorophyll and protein contents increased in the plants by the addition of chelants in 25% tannery sludge (TS) after 120 d as compared to the plants grown on T (garden soil). The plants treated with nitriloacetic acid (NTA) have shown better growth than ethylediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA) as compared with no addition of chelants. The accumulation of Cr in the leaves increased (72.03±6.03) by the addition of CA in 25% TS, in contrast to Ni and Cd after 120 d. Similarly, translocation of Cr and Zn increased in the edible part by the addition of EDTA, compared plants chelants. Comparison of Cr accumulation level in the leaves among three chelants, showed higher level in CA treated plants, whereas, Ni proved otherwise. However, in view of the higher translocation of Cr and Zn, it is advisable to grow plants on NTA alongwith 25% TS amended soil.