CHROMIUM IN SWISS-CHARD GROWN ON SOIL AMENDED WITH TANNERY MEAL FERTILIZER

Wastes generated during leather tanning are commonly added to some commercially available organic fertilizers. Since such tannery wastes are typically high in chromium, the possibility of absorption of the metal by crops was of interest. Swiss chard was grown on a soil amended with 5, 10 or 15 percent of a tannery waste fertilizer. Significantly higher concentrations of chromium were found in swiss chard grown on the 10% and 15% treatments versus that in the control chard. Plant growth inhibition was noted at the 10% and 15% rates of tannery waste soil incorporation.