Restoration of cyanide lands using natural zeolite added with NPK fertilizer

Abstract

This research shows an alternative with potential for the restoration of cyanide soils. The experiment was carried out in five plastic pots, in each one was placed material of the ground previously washed with calcium hydroxide, several amounts of natural chabazite-type zeolite enriched with triple NPK and buffel grass seeds (Pennisetum ciliare L). The material of the ground, the witness sample and the leaves and roots of the T-3D sample were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy technique with coupled elemental analysis microscopy. The results indicate that the incorporation of nutrients in the zeolite was achieved and served as means of enrichment to the material of the ground, so that it allowed the growth of the buffel grass within 77 days of starting the experiment, the plant grew in the samples that they contained zeolite and the highest growth was in that identified as T-3D. Analyzes to the roots and leaves of the grass indicate an accumulation of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn greater in root than in leaves. We concluded that the enrichment made in the chabazite can be a good alternative for the remediation and recovery of abandoned cyaniders.