ABSTRACT
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the phytoextraction potential of plant geranium (CIM BIO-171) to remove metals from sewage sludge and to investigate the growth, yield and quality of essential oil of this aromatic plant grown in contaminated sludge.Methodology: The experiment was conducted at research farm of CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow during 2017-18 in vertical cemented column pots dug into soil. Six treatment groups of sewage sludge and soil were taken with four replication, i.e., T1-100% sewage sludge, T2-80% sewage sludge + 20% soil, T3-60% sewage sludge + 40% soil, T4-40% sewage sludge + 60% soil, T5-20% sewage sludge + 80% soil and T6-soil (only soil). Experimental soil was analysed at pre-harvest and post-harvest stage for soil characters. All plant attributes were recorded at the time of harvesting. Results: Result of the present study showed reduction in the heavy metals in the soil at harvest in comparison to the contents observed in soil at initial stage. All the parameters of growth, yield, biomass and essential oil were found to increase with the application rate of sewage sludge in geranium (CIM BIO-171). Interpretation: The results of the present study clearly indicate the phytoextraction capability of geranium plant (CIM BIO-171). Furthermore, the plants grown in contaminated sludge has all the beneficial impact on growth, yield and quality of essential oil.