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Soil Enzyme Response and Calorific Value of Zea mays Used for the Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Diesel Oil

Author

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  • Agata Borowik

    (Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Jadwiga Wyszkowska

    (Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Magdalena Zaborowska

    (Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Jan Kucharski

    (Department of Soil Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

Abstract

Ensuring a stable and cost-effective energy supply is a major challenge for the International Energy Agency (IEA). Additionally, the effectiveness of vermiculite and dolomite in mitigating the adverse effects of diesel oil, a petroleum-derived product, on plant growth and development, and on the biochemical activity of the soil, were assessed. Therefore, an attempt was made in the study to determine the energy properties of Zea mays , which is suitable for cultivation in contaminated areas. For these purposes, several parameters were analyzed in its biomass, including calorific value (Q), heating value (Hv), energy yield (Yep), ash content, and the presence of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O). Biochemical activity was measured through the evaluation of soil enzymes serving as indicators for the carbon (dehydrogenases, catalase, β -glucosidase), nitrogen (urease), sulfur (arylsulfatase), and phosphorus (acid and alkaline phosphatase) cycles. The plant greenness index was also determined. It has been demonstrated that diesel oil does not alter the calorific value of Zea mays biomass but significantly reduces the biomass quantity and destabilizes the biochemical properties of the soil. Zea mays contained an average of 6.84% ash, 49.88% C, 5.65% H, 0.17% S, 2.90% N, and 34.57% O. The calorific value of Zea mays ranged from 15.02 to 15.54 MJ kg −1 d.m. of plants, and the heating value ranged from 18.25 to 19.21 MJ kg −1 d.m. of plants. The biomass obtained from contaminated soil is recommended for energy purposes. The sorbents used—vermiculite and dolomite—proved to be less effective in the remediation of soil contaminated with diesel oil.

Suggested Citation

  • Agata Borowik & Jadwiga Wyszkowska & Magdalena Zaborowska & Jan Kucharski, 2024. "Soil Enzyme Response and Calorific Value of Zea mays Used for the Phytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Diesel Oil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:11:p:2552-:d:1401477
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Agata Borowik & Jadwiga Wyszkowska & Magdalena Zaborowska & Jan Kucharski, 2024. "Energy Quality of Corn Biomass from Gasoline-Contaminated Soils Remediated with Sorbents," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-18, October.
    2. Agata Borowik & Jadwiga Wyszkowska & Magdalena Zaborowska & Jan Kucharski, 2025. "Energy Potential of Zea mays Grown in Cadmium-Contaminated Soil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-28, May.

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