Title: Evaluation of gamma irradiation for bio-solid waste management

Authors: P.H. Rathod, J.C. Patel, M.R. Shah, Amit J. Jhala

Addresses: Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, Volcani Centre, ARO, P.O. Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel. ' B.A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand – 388 110, Gujarat, India. ' SHRI facilities, BARC Centre, Gajarawadi, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. ' Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2P5, AB, Canada

Abstract: Gamma irradiation is a form of pure energy which is currently used most widely for food and waste irradiation. To evaluate the potential of gamma irradiated sludge for its suitability as a soil amendment in agriculture, field experiments were carried out in a root crop, carrot (Daucus carota). Treatments consisting of three sources of manure (Farmyard Manure (FYM), gamma-irradiated sewage sludge and non-irradiated sewage sludge), each at three different levels (5, 10 and 15 t ha⁻¹), were compared. The growth parameters and yield of carrot was not significantly influenced by the three sources of manure or their different levels. Values for EC, pH, organic carbon, total N, available P and K, metallic micronutrients (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu) and heavy metals (Ni, Cd, Pb, Co) indicate no adverse effect on soil properties.

Keywords: gamma irradiation; sewage sludge; irradiated sludge; hygienisation; farmyard manure; heavy metals; bio-solid waste; waste management; carrots; crop yield.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2008.016990

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.37 - 48

Published online: 03 Feb 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article