Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health

D. P. Gond ¹, Amit Pal ¹, Siddharth Singh ²

Affiliations
1 Institute of Environment and Development Studies, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi–284128, IN
2 Environmental Management Group, CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad–826015, IN

Abstract

The disposal of huge amount of fly-ash from coal-fired power stations causes significant economic and environmental problems. The conventional disposal methods for fly-ash lead to degradation of arable land and contamination of the ground water. However fly-ash is a useful ameliorant that may improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of acidic soils and is a source of readily available plant macro and micronutrients. Fly-ash can enhance plant biomass production from degraded soils. In the present investigation Tomato (Pusha rubi) were grown in degraded soil of Chandrapura (as control) and various amendments (60, 120, 180 and 240) of Chandrapura Thermal Power Plant fly-ash for a period of 100 days and effect on growth and productivity of plant was evaluated vis-a-vis metal accumulation in the plants. The toxicity of fly-ash at higher concentration was reflected by the reduction in plant height and fruit weight. However, at lower concentrations (60-180), Fly-ash enhanced growth of the plants as evident by the increased growth parameters. The chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, Carotenoid, ischolar_main and shoot length showed increase in their levels up to 180 t/ha fly-ash as compared to control.

Keywords

Fly-Ash, Growth and Productivity, Macro and Micro Nutrients, Tomato.

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