Remediation of soils contaminated by copper and lead using compost with effective microorganisms

Abstract

In Peru, mining is a fundamental activity for economic development; however, its practice generates significant environmental impacts, especially on soils affected by heavy metals such as copper and lead. Therefore, sustainable remediation strategies are needed to contribute to their recovery. This study evaluated the effectiveness of compost enriched with and without effective microorganisms (EM) as a biotechnological alternative for the recovery of soils degraded by mining waste. A quantitative experimental methodology was used, lasting 60 days. Four treatments were applied in pots containing 1 kg of soil: T1 and T2 used conventional compost at 25% and 50%, respectively; while T3 and T4 consisted of 25% and 50% compost enriched with EM, with the addition of 50 ml and 100 ml of EM, maintaining the same amendment proportions. The results showed removal efficiencies of 15.2%, 41.7%, 97.7%, and 98.8% for copper, and 18.1%, 42.2%, 98.7%, and 98.8% for lead, in the respective treatments. In conclusion, the compost enriched with 50% EM (T4) was the most effective treatment, demonstrating its potential to reduce metal concentrations and improve the soil's physicochemical properties. However, very similar values were obtained in T3, indicating that 50 ml is sufficient. Furthermore, increasing the dosage and application time optimized the efficiency of the remediation process