Phytoremediation of a nitrogen-contaminated desert soil by native shrubs and microbial processes
- Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)
- Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States); M3 Engineering and Technology Corp., Tucson, AZ (United States)
- Navarro Research and Engineering, Grand Junction, CO (United States)
Here, we combined phytoremediation and soil microbial nitrification and denitrification cycles to reduce nitrate and ammonium levels at a former uranium mill site near Monument Valley, Arizona. Ammonia used in uranium extraction was present throughout the soil profile. Sulfate,applied as sulfuric acid to solubilize uranium, was also present in the soil. These contaminants were leaching from a denuded area where a tailings pile had been removed and were migrating away from the site in groundwater. We planted the source area with two deep-rooted native shrubs, Atriplex cansescens and Sarcobatus vermiculatus, and irrigated transplants for 11 years at 20% the rate of potential evapotranspiration to stimulate growth, then discontinued irrigation for 4 years. Over 15 years, total nitrogen levels dropped 82%, from 347 to 64 mg kg–1. Analysis of δ15N supported our hypothesis that coupled microbial nitrification and denitrification processes were responsible for the loss of N. Soil sulfate levels changed little; however, evapotranspiration reduced sulfate leaching into the aquifer. For arid sites where traditional pump-and-treat methods are problematic, the Monument Valley data suggest that alternatives that incorporate native plants and rely on vadose zone biogeochemistry and hydrology could be a sustainable remediation for nitrogen contaminated soil.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Legacy Management (LM), Office of Field Operations
- Grant/Contract Number:
- LM0000421
- OSTI ID:
- 1251197
- Journal Information:
- Land Degradation and Development, Vol. 44, Issue 6; ISSN 1085-3278
- Publisher:
- WileyCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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