Phytoremediation of Cadmium-contaminated agricultural soil using Zea mays L, effective microorganisms and silicon

Astuhuamán J.D.M.; Cerrón R.M.; Leytón A.A.A.; Valdiviezo-Gonzales L. · ETCM 2025 - 9th Ecuador Technical Chapters Meeting (2025) · DOI: 10.1109/etcm67548.2025.11304421

Resumen

This study aims to evaluate the effect of effective microorganisms (EM) and silicon on cadmium-contaminated agricultural soil using Zea mays L. as a bioindicator. Soil samples were collected from the El Mantaro Agricultural Experimental Station in Jauja, Peru. Experiments were conducted in pots under cover using a completely randomized design in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, plus one additional treatment. Effective microorganisms were applied at concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 6%, in combination with liquid, hydrated, and organic forms of silicon. Cadmium (Cd) content was measured in both leaves and root tissues of Z. mays L., as well as in post-treatment soil. Plant height, leaf area, and root length were also assessed. The results indicated a higher presence of Cd in the roots (3.5-5 mg/kg) than in the leaves (up to 0.2-0.45 mg/kg), while Cd in the soil reached minimum values of up to 2.3 mg/kg. The application of EM 2 and 4% resulted in the highest Cd absorption values in the root and the lowest Cd concentration in the soil. Meanwhile, organic silicon allowed for the highest accumulation of Cd in the root. The results show a synergy between corn, EM, and Si, which allows Cd to be extracted from the soil to the plant's roots, limiting the translocation of this element to the aerial parts of the plant.

Instituciones: Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú