Authors
S Madyiwa, M Chimbari, J Nyamangara, C Bangira
Publication date
2002/1/1
Journal
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C
Volume
27
Issue
11-22
Pages
747-753
Publisher
Pergamon
Description
Although sewage effluent and sludge provides nutrients for plant growth, its continual use over extended periods can result in the accumulation of heavy metals in soils and in grass to levels that are detrimental to the food chain. This study was carried in 2001 out at Firle farm, owned by the Municipality of Harare, to assess heavy metal loading on a sandy soil and uptake of the metals by pasture grass consisting of a mixture of Cynodon nlemfuensis (star grass) and Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov (kikuyu grass) following sewage effluent and sludge application for 29 years. Firle Farm receives treated effluent and sludge emanating from domestic and industrial sources. Soil and grass samples were taken from the study area, consisting of 3 ha of non-irrigated area (control) and 1.3 ha of irrigated area. Both the soil and grass samples were tested for Cu, Zn, Ni and Pb using atomic absorption spectrophotometry …
Total citations
20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320243255676636769653131131