Investigation the effect of sewage sludge and zeolite on the absorption by cadmium and lead of roots and leaves of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L)

Due to the presence of plant food elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter, sewage sludge has been noticed as a cheap fertilizer in agriculture, but the heavy metals restrict its application as fertilizer. Zeolite is one of the natural compounds used for inactivation of these elements in soil. The aim of present research is to clarify the rate of cadmium and lead absorption of artichoke grown in sewage sludge of city infiltration system at the presence and absence of zeolite. A complete randomized factorial design as pot experiment with three levels of sewage sludge (15, 20 and 25% w/w of soil) and four levels of zeolite (0, 5, 10, 15% w/w). Results showed that among different levels of sewage sludge, the absorption of lead in were conducted parts and cadmium in root was significantly different. Also zeolite significantly (at 5%) reduced the lead and cadmium of root. The lowest amounts of cadmium and Lead of root were observed in plants treated with 10% zeolite. no having significant differences of heavy metals accumulation in aerial parts of plants under different treatments means, artichoke has patential to manage the heavy metal absorption and translocation.