Effects of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LASs) in Sewage Sludge–Amended Soils on Nutrient Contents of Broccoli Plants

Abstract

Sewage sludge is used in agriculture as a fertilizer and an organic amendment to improve physical and chemical soil properties. However, sludge contains organic compounds, such as surfactants, which may be toxic in the soil–plant system. The effects on plants of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), a group of anionic surfactants that are widely used in detergent products, have not been well defined. In this experiment, the effect of differently treated sewage sludge containing LAS on the macronutrient and sodium contents of different parts of broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis subvar. cymosa Lam.) was studied in a field experiment. Fertilizer treatments were un‐composted sewage sludge (UCSS), composted sewage sludge (CSS), and a control without fertilization (NF). The LAS levels were established across all fertilizer treatments by addition of 0, 15, or 30 g LAS m⁻² (LAS0, LAS15, and LAS30, respectively). In general, the macronutrient contents in shoots, leaves, and edible parts of broccoli were higher in plants cultivated without fertilization but with LAS. In most cases, the LAS application increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium contents of the different plant parts, whereas calcium and magnesium concentrations were reduced.

Keywords:

• LAS
• sewage sludge
• broccoli
• nutrient content

Acknowledgments

The authors thank David Walker for the English revision.