Impact of Zeolite on Protein, Mg and Zn Content of Triticum aestivum L. Wheat in Contaminated Soils of War Zones

Today, the use of unconventional weapons has been done serious damage to the environment. The use of zeolite is one of solutions in managing the pollution of soils. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural zeolite on grain protein content, Mg and Zn uptake by wheat in soils contaminated to weapons of war.

The experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement in a randomized complete design with three replications in a pot. The studied treatments included four levels of zeolite as zero, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5% based on weight of soil and two types of soils which were non-contaminated and contaminated by mines and explosives caused by war. Contaminated and non-contaminated soil samples were taken from the southern region of Dehloran city.

The results showed that the amount of grain protein and Mg in contaminated soils was significantly higher than non-contaminated soils and the application of zeolite in both soils caused a significant increase in each of them. In this study, the concentration of Zn in grain in contaminated soils was higher than in non-contaminated soils and with increasing zeolite consumption, the concentration of Zn decreased, significantly.

The results showed that the application of zeolite in contaminated and non-contaminated soils has a positive effect in terms of grain protein and Mg. In addition, the use of zeolite can prevent the excessive increase of Zn due to weapons of war and can be effective in ensuring plant health and thus community health.