Remediating heavy metal contamination in choy sum using some organic and biological amendments

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Universitas Islam 45 Bekasi

2 Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

3 Université de Grenoble Alpes

10.22059/poll.2025.402411.3116

Abstract

Agricultural land along river basins such as the Bekasi River is highly vulnerable to heavy metal contamination from industrial and domestic activities. Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations that exceed the threshold limits have the potential to reduce crop quality and endanger human health. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single and combined applications of soil ameliorants (rice husk biochar, rice straw compost, and biofertilizers based on Azotobacter and Azospirillum) in reducing Pb and Cd content in choy sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). The research was conducted in a greenhouse using contaminated soil from the banks of the Bekasi River, arranged in a completely randomized design consisting of 5 treatments and 4 replications. The results showed that the combined treatment of biochar + biofertilizer was the most effective formulation, reducing heavy metal content in choy sum to Pb at 0.42 mg/kg and Cd at 0.04 mg/kg. While the Cd level was well below the safe threshold of 0.2 mg/kg, the Pb content still exceeded the recommended limit of 0.2 mg/kg. These findings indicate that biochar and biofertilizer can synergistically suppress heavy metal uptake by immobilizing metals and enhancing microbial activity. Although further refinement is required to meet Pb safety standards, this approach shows strong potential as a sustainable remediation strategy to support food safety.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 December 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics