Feasibility of Phytoextraction of Cd from Fulton County Biosolids Amended Soils

Approach:
Improved methods of phytoextraction of Cd from soils containing excessive Cd are needed for U.S. soils. The Thlapsi caerulescens that we previously developed and patented does not survive in rice soils in Asia, but might do well in the IL location with excessive soil Cd. Rice genotypes have also been identified in Japan that accumulate much higher Cd when grown in aerobic soils than common food type rice cultivars. Thus the study will evaluate relative yield and Cd, Zn, Cu and other nutrients and metals in genotypes of Thlaspi caerulescens and rice grown on a highly metal enriched soil from the MWRDGC field location in Fulton Co., IL. Rice will be grown in the greenhouse, while Thlaspi caerulescens will be grown in a growth chamber to provide the needed temperature range. Shoot yields will be obtained at an appropriate growth stage before flowering, and the shoots analyzed for metals and nutrients. Results will be statistically evaluated and a report prepared, then a manuscript for a peer-reviewed journal will be prepared. Plant performance will be photographed as well.