Showing papers on "Phytotoxicity published in 1996"

Chemistry and Phytotoxicity of Soil Trace Elements from Repeated Sewage Sludge Applications

Abstract: Municipal sewage sludges, or biosolids, can be applied to croplands to supply and recycle nutrients and organic C. Trace elements in sludges, however, may be of environmental concern. This study examines the long-term consequences to crops and soil when loading phytotoxic levels of one or more trace elements to cropland. Municipal sewage sludges containing trace elements, including high concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn, were applied to cropland from 1977 to 1986 at three rates plus an untreated control. Plant and soil samples were collected between 1985 and 1990. These results report on yield and metal uptake of corn (Zea mays L.), sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench x S. sudanese P. Stapf.), and soybean (Glycine max L.). Yields of all crops were reduced on one or more sludge treatments because of phytotoxic concentrations of soil trace elements, probably Zn and Ni. Phytotoxicity has continued since the last sludge application. Chemical fractionation of surface soils was performed using a sequential extraction technique and trace elements were measured in each of eight fractions. Cadmium, Ni, and Zn occupied soil fractions that were potentially available for plant uptake. Copper and Cr loadings increased the environmental availability of these two elements to a smaller extent. Loadings of Pb to the levels seen in this study did not appear to significantly increase its environmental availability. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and guidelines used to characterize hazardous wastes were inappropriate to use when testing soils for potential phytotoxic concentrations of trace elements or uptake of these elements into the food chain.

Liming effects on availability of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in a soil amended with sewage sludge 16 years previously

Abstract: A field study was conducted to determine the plant uptake of metals in soils amended with 500 Mg ha−1 of municopal sewage sludge applied 16 yr previously. Results showed that metals were available for plan uptake after 16 yr, but that liming greatly reduced the plant availability of most metals. The application of sludge also resulted in high rates nitrification and subsequent lowering of the soil pH before the uptake study was started. The sludge-amended soil (a mesic Dystric Xerochrept) was adjusted with lime one month prior to planting from an unlimed pH of 4.6 to pH 5.8, 6.5 and 6.9. Food crops grown were: (i) bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Seafarer), (ii) cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. v. capitata L. cv. Copenhagen market), (iii) maize (Zea mays L. cv. FR37), (iv) lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Parris Island, (v) (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. (vi) tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L. cv. Burpee VF). With the exception of maize, yields were significantly reduced in the unlimed sludge-amended soil. However, liming increased yields above the growth level of the unlimed untreated soil for cabbage, maize, lettuce, potato tuber and tomato fruit. Soluble and exchangeable of Cd. Ni and Zn were also reduced after liming the sludge-amended soil. In both limed and unlimed soils, the majority of the soil Cu was found in insoluble and unavailable soil fractions. To evaluate trace metal uptake, the edible portion of each crop was analyzed for Cd, Cu, ni and Zn. Liming redoced uptake of Cd, Ni and Zn in most crops, but generally did not change Cu, This study shows the benefit of pH adjustment in reducing relative solubility and plant uptake of metals as well as increasing crop yield in acid soils.

Phytotoxicity and Distribution of Sorgoleone in Grain Sorghum Germplasm

Abstract: The relative phytotoxicity of sorgoleone as measured by seed germination and seedling growth of selected crop and weed species and inhibition of photosynthetic oxygen evolution in atrazine-resistan...

Phragmites die-back: sulphide- and acetic acid-induced bud and root death, lignifications, and blockages within aeration and vascular systems.

Abstract: summary Phragmites rhizome cuttings, and plantlets raised from seed, were exposed to the phytotoxins acetic acid or dissolved sulphide in unstirred solution cultures to determine whether die-back symptoms found in field-grown plants, and attributed to phytotoxin damage, could be induced. Many of the die-back symptoms associated with field sites, namely stunted adventitious roots and laterals, bud death, callus blockages of the gas-pathways, and vascular blockages, were all reproduced, and were particularly acute at the higher concentrations of the phytotoxins: acetic acid (1.67 mm), sulphide (1.4 mm). The results accord with the hypothesis that phytotoxins may play a critical role in Phragmites australis die-back.

The phytotoxicity ofFusarium metabolites: An update since 1989.

Abstract: The present article summarises the published phytotoxic effects of severalFusarium metabolites (mycotoxins, phytotoxins, antibiotics and pigments) since 1989. The phytotoxicity of many of the commonly isolated metabolites cannot be disputed, but their role in pathogenesis ofFusarium-induced plant diseases is uncertain. Plant species/varieties differ in their susceptibililty resistance to these toxinsin vitro, as well as toFusarium pathogens under field conditions. Such variations in plant response may reflect resistance mechanisms that operate at several levels, including an initial ability to prevent fungal invasion; prevention of fungal spread and toxin tolerance or degradation. Little is known about the mode of action of most of these metabolites on either animal or plant cells. Several novelFusarium metabolites have been isolated in the past few years. Many are toxic to animals and cell lines, but assessment of their phytotoxicity has largely been neglected. Since many plant pathogenic Fusaria produce a plethora of metabolites, the additive or synergistic actions of toxins in combination must be considered in plant pathology.

Land treatment of oil-based drill cuttings in an agricultural soil.

Abstract: The biodegradation, mobility, and phytotoxicity of fuel oil hydrocarbons (HC) contained in drill cuttings (DC) were investigated in a 28-mo field experiment. In an agricultural soil, three plots were treated with DC on an extensive basis : 15, 30, and 60 Mg DC ha -1 corresponding to 1.5, 3, and 6 Mg HC ha -1 . Concentration and chemical composition of residual HC in the soil profile (0-80 cm) were periodically determined. The decrease in HC concentration was proportional to the loading rates and mainly due to microbial biodegradation. Gas chromatographic analyses demonstrated the metabolism of n- and branched alkanes and of GC-resolved aromatics. The persistence of some polycyclic saturates and aromatics was shown. At the end of the experiment, 10% of the initial HC amount persisted in the surface soil. A vertical selective migration of the lightest HC was shown during the first days and a low leaching of HC and metabolic byproducts toward the subsurface soil and drainage water occurred. The soil treatment modified the soil fertility : pH and Ca increased due to drill cuttings addition while P 2 O 5 and K 2 O decreased. Crops (maize [Zea mays L.], wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], pea [Pisum sativum L.]) were successively cultivated and harvested. Phytotoxicity, resulting in significant reductions of yields was observed on the two first crops on the most heavily treated plots, but no uptake of HC in the seeds was measured.

Aluminium phytotoxicity: A challenge for plant scientists

Abstract: Breeding for Al tolerance is considered a useful way to improve crop performance on acid soils. However, a successful selection of Al-tolerant genotypes, which will render high yields on acid soils, requires the development of screening methods based on the knowledge of Al-toxicity and Al-tolerance mechanisms. In this paper the present stage of knowledge on Al phytotoxicity and tolerance is comprehensively reviewed. Special emphasis will be made on primary mechanisms of Al toxicity, the interactions of Al with membranes, and the role of Ca in the Al-toxicity syndrome.

Surfactant and salt affect glyphosate retention and absorption

Abstract: Summary The influence of nonylphenoxy surfactants and glyphosate salt formulation on spray retention, phytotoxicity and [14C]glyphosate uptake was investigated in wheat (Triticum aestivum L). and Kochia scoparia L. The amount of spray retained, and uptake of [14C]glyphosate increased with increasing hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of surfactants. The volume of spray delivered to the plant treatment area and retained by wheat and K. scoparia plants increased with increasing surfactant HLB values, but this only partly accounted for the higher spray retention. Spray retention by leaves of plants was not affected by calcium chloride, either alone or with ammonium sulphate in the glyphosate spray solution. [14C]Glyphosate absorption by wheat and K. scoparia was reduced by calcium chloride alone, but not in mixtures with ammonium sulphate, regardless of surfactant. Phytotoxicity and uptake of glyphosate salt formulations for wheat was: isopropylamine > ammonium > sodium > calcium; these results indicate that the surfactant selected is important to maintain glyphosate efficacy and that sodium and calcium cations antagonize glyphosate by forming salts that are absorbed less than commercial isopropylamine formulations.

Growth and Photosynthetic Responses of Scaevola sericea, A Hawaiian Coastal Shrub, to Substrate Salinity and Salt Spray

Abstract: Growth patterns, water relations, and photosynthetic traits in Scaevola sericea plants grown under different levels of substrate salinity and salt spray were studied. Scaevola sericea is a dominant shrub species in coastal strand ecosystems throughout the tropical and subtropical Pacific and Indian Oceans. Seventy-two cuttings from two coastal sites on the island of Oahu (Hawaii) were grown in a greenhouse under six treatments that resulted from the combination of three levels of substrate salinity (0, 100, and 335 mOsm kg-1) and two levels of simulated salt spray (0 and 1200 mg salt m-2 d-1). Several characteristics of S. sericea were strongly affected by substrate salinity but only weakly affected by salt spray. New stem and leaf biomass per plant decreased by ca. 65% as substrate salinity increased from 0 to 335 mOsm kg-1; photosynthetic rates decreased by only 20% over the same salinity range. Leaf sap osmolarity increased 300 mOsm kg-1 as substrate salinity changed from 0 to 335 mOsm kg-1, allowing t...

Absorption and Assimilation of Foliarly Applied Urea in Tomato

Abstract: In short-term experiments (10 days), urea applied foliarly as the sole N source promoted growth of 'T-5' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings. The optimum urea concentration in the spray solution was 0.2% (w/w), and the best application frequency was once a day. Higher urea concentrations suppressed growth, producing severe leaf damage. The growth observed with foliar urea was less than that observed when inorganic N was supplied to the nutrient solution. Tomato seedlings absorbed 75% of the foliar applied urea within 12 hours and 99% within 24 hours after application. Urea concentrations in the plant tissues increased rapidly after foliar application. The maximum concentration was obtained in shoots at 12 hours and in roots at 24 hours after application. After that, concentration in the tissue declined to its original value within 48 hours. Tissue ammonium concentrations also increased after foliar application of urea. Shoot and root ammonium concentrations reached a maximum after 12 hours and stayed constant for the remainder of the 48-hour observation period. In the long-term experiment (5 weeks), the growth obtained with daily foliar applications of urea as the sole N source was only 10% of that when mineral N was available in the nutrient solution. Ammonium concentrations in the tissues of urea-treated plants were higher than those of plants treated with mineral N in the nutrient solution. Although urea concentrations were initially higher in plants treated with mineral N, after 2 weeks urea concentrations declined in these plants and increased in the shoots of plants receiving foliar applications of urea. These results indicate 1) that urea applied foliarly can supply at least part of the N required to sustain growth; 2) that urea is absorbed and assimilated fast enough to alleviate N deprivation; and 3) that failure to promote rapid growth with foliar urea is probably due to phytotoxicity and not to N deprivation.

Phytotoxic effects of industrial and sewage waste waters on growth, chlorophyll content, transpiration rate and relative water content of potted sunflower plants

Abstract: Waste water coming from two factories, namely Manquabad (fertilizer) and Bani Qura (detergents and oils) factory and Arab El-Madabegh sewage effluents were determined for their phytotoxicities and physicochemical properties. The effect of the waters on the growth, chlorophyll content, transpiration rate and leaf relative water content of sunflower plants was undertaken in pots. In addition, the phytotoxicity present in the waste waters on embryonic radicle growth was also studied. The experiments were repeated each month from January to June, 1992. The three waste waters exhibited significant phytotoxic effects on the radicle growth of sunflower. The phytotoxicity varied with monthly sampling. The waste water from the fertilizer factory (Manquabad) collected in February, May and June showed almost 100% inhibition on the radicle growth, while January and April sampling had a stimulatory effect. Most of the tested water exhibited significant inhibition on shoot growth. Root growth was significantly enhanced by Arab El-Madabegh sewage water collected in February, March and April and was suppressed in the other three months. The three waste waters showed inhibitory effect on chlorophyll content. The inhibition was very high in the January sampling. Chlorophyll stability to heat was significantly lower in February and March and higher in May and June water-treated plants. Generally waste water-treated plants showed a lower transpiration rate than the control (tap water). Leaf relative water content of plants grown in the waste waters was significantly lower in May and June collected water than in the other four months collections. The physicochemical analysis of the waste waters revealed that the amount of Na+, K+, Ca+2 Zn+2, Cu+2, Iron, Cl−, SO4−2 and the degree of electrical conductivity were often above the limits of the standard for irrigation water for agricultural land, and some of these properties would be severely detrimental to crop growth. Generally waste water coming from the Manquabad fertilizer factory consistently revealed the highest inhibition, Bani Qura detergents and oils factory the second and Arab El-Madabegh sewage the least.

Bioremediation bacteria to protect plants in pentachlorophenol-contaminated soil

Abstract: Plants may be useful in stabilization and remediation of polluted surface soils, but phytotoxicity and plant bioconcentration of some pollutants can interfere with plant-associated site remediation. Pseudomonas strain SR3, when applied to seeds of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), protected the growing plants from phytotoxicity of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in the soil during a 4-wk growth-chamber study. Untreated plants in the contaminated soil grew very poorly. In soil receiving the bacteria-treated seed, PCP was reduced from 175 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg. When bacteria were mixed thoroughly into the soil at 5 x 10 6 cfu/g, in the absence of plants, PCP was likewise reduced from 175 to 5 mg/kg. PCP in soil with noninoculated plants remained at the initial level (165 mg/kg extractable PCP). Roots without applied bacteria concentrated PCP from the soil into root tissue to a ratio of 13 :1 (final root concentration/initial soil concentration), whereas the bacteria-treated roots concentrated PCP at a ratio of 0.09 :1.

Sterilisation of explants and cultures with sodium dichloroisocyanurate

Abstract: The effectiveness of Sodium dichloroisocyanurate as a disinfectant for micropropagated plants was assessed. Analysis of the microbial flora of micropropagated plants showed a wide range of bacteria with predominantly Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas and Actinomycetes. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate was highly stable both as preprepared tablets and as solutions maintained at room temperature. Sterilisation of a range of plants which were heavily contaminated with bacteria was examined. Phytotoxicity was generally low and restricted to old leaves and cut surfaces. Solutions of Sodium dichloroisocyanurate were more effective at high concentrations (5000 ppm) than a commercially available bleach for disinfection of shoot cultures. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate was also used at low concentrations (300 ppm) for longer periods (24 h–48 h) to disinfect shoot explants from the field, and was at least as effective for sterilisation as a combination of Mercuric Chloride and Calcium hypochlorite.

Composting of effluent from a new two‐phases centrifuge olive mill. microbial characterization of the compost

Abstract: A study to evaluate the quality of cured compost obtained by a mixture of crude olive husks, oil mill wastewaters and fresh olive tree leaves inoculated with cow manure, after 6 months of composting, has been conducted. Biological activities (ATP, DHA, DNA contents and enzymatic activities), several microbiological groups (including pathogenic bacteria, E.coli and Salmonellae), microflora composition were determined. Phytotoxicity tests were also carried out. The composting process brought about the total disappearance of phytotoxicity encountered in raw materials. The development of enzymatic activities was positive and no pathogen was found. The compost can therefore be satisfactorily used as amendment for agricultural crops.

Studies of the phytotoxicity of saponins on weed and crop plants.

Abstract: Several saponins or sapogenins including β-escin, betulin, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, hecogenin, oleandrin, and oleanolic acid were tested in the laboratory, growth chamber, and greenhouse on various weed and crop species Seed germination, root and shoot growth after root, foliar, or soil application, electrolyte leakage from leaf discs, and greening of etiolated plant tissues were monitored Esterase activity using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and p-nitrophenyl butyrate (PNPB) was also assayed The compounds had differential effects on these parameters, depending on the species The effects of these compounds on electrolyte leakage ranged from no effect to a 10-fold increase above untreated tissue levels after 72 h Escin increased FDA activity up to 35% above untreated tissue, but other compounds caused no effect or reduced FDA activity PNPB activity was generally not affected In greening studies of excised tissue, escin reduced chlorophyll production by 90–100% in several species, with other compounds giving intermediate or no effects Foliar application (10 mM) in the greenhouse had no substantial effect (visible or shoot biomass) on 10 species However, in short-term (8 to 13 day) tests, β-escin, applied to soil at 88 and 350 μmol/kg soil, drastically reduced emergence in barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L Beauv), hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf) Rydb ex AW Hill], wheat (Triticum aestivum L), and soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr] β-Escin also reduced growth in all species but soybean, and barnyardgrass was the most sensitive species tested Results are discussed in relation to the role of these compounds as plant growth-regulating natural products

Influence of water stress on absorption, translocation and phytotoxicity of fenoxaprop-ethyl and imazamethabenz-methyl in Avena fatua

Abstract: Summary The influence of water stress on the absorption and translocation of 14C-labelled fenoxapropethyl and imazamthabenz-methyl in Avena fatua L. (wild oat) was studied. The phytoioxicity to A. fatua of both herbicides with a droplet application was also examined under water stress conditions. The absorption of both fenoxaproethyl and imazamethabenz-methyl was reduced by waler stress when the plants were harvested within 24 h after herbicide application. Up to 48 h after the application, the translocation out of the treated lamina of both herbicides, based on percentage of applied 14C. was reduced under water stress conditions. When havested 96 h after herbicide application, however, water stress no longer significantly affeaed the absorption and translocation of either herbicide. When the herbicides were applied as individual droplets, water stress reduced the phytotoxicity of fenoxaprop-ethyl but not that of imazamethabenz-methyl. It is concluded that the changes in herbieide absorption and translocation may not be the major physiological processes associated with differential whole-plant response oi A faiua to fenoxaprop-ethyl and imazamefhabenz-methyl under water stress.

Phytotoxicity of some chloroanilines and chlorophenols, in relation to bioavailability in soil

Abstract: Soil adsorption and the effect of four chlorophenols and three chloroanilines on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were determined in two soil types differing in organic matter content and pH. Adsorption increased with increasing organic matter content of the soils. Phytotoxicity, based on dosed amounts, was significantly higher in the soil with the low level of organic matter. This difference could be reduced by recalculating the EC50 values for the effect of the test substances on plant growth in mg kg-1 dry soil towards concentrations in mg L-1 pore water using data from soil adsorption experiments. For pentachlorophenol only this recalculation increased rather than decreased the difference between the two soils, however, when the EC50 values for pentachlorophenol were corrected for the difference in soil pH, almost the same values resulted for both soils. Calculated EC50 values on the basis of pore water concentrations appeared to be in good agreement with values determined in nutrient solution tests. These results indicate that, for plants, the toxicity and therefore the bioavailability of organic chemicals in soil mainly depend on the concentration in the soil solution, and can be predicted on the basis of sorption data. Attempts to develop QSARs relating log EC50 values in K(ow)) pore water with lipophilicity (expressed as the octanol/water partition coefficient: log K(ow)) of the test substances resulted in a statistically significant relationship. This relationship was further improved by correcting the chlorophenol data for dissociation effects.

Phytotoxicity, uptake and metabolism of 1,4-dichlorobenzene by plant cells.

Abstract: Phytotoxicity, uptake, and metabolism of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) by carrot (Daucus carota L.), soybean (Glycine max. L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), and red goosefoot (Chenopodiun rubrum L.) cell suspension cultures were studied. Sealed glass systems were utilized for the investigation because 1,4-DCB is volatile. The sealed systems affect the growth of plant cells, but do not provide different results when testing xenobiotic uptake and metabolism. 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (40 μg in 40 ml medium) was taken up by carrot (49%), soybean (50%), and red goosefoot (62%) cells. Only the soybean cell cultures provided evidence of the existence of metabolites of this compound, probably conjugates of chlorophenols. Conditions for phytotoxicity tests were modified because the growth of cell cultures was affected when sealed for longer than 2 d. 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is toxic to cell cultures of the three tested plant species (tomato, soybean, and carrot). Concentrations of 0.5 mM caused 50% growth inhibition in carrot and soybean cultures. The tomato cultures were more sensitive, with 0.05 mM causing 50% growth inhibition.

Phytotoxicity of heavy metals

Abstract: During the evolution of plants only a few heavy metals were incorporated in metabolic processes. Phytotoxicity of plants to various heavy metals occurs by surpassing critical levels. It depends on the capability of species, cultivars and genotypes to handle appropriately the uptake, translocation, incorporation into organic compounds and cellular compartmentation of these metals. These capabilities are not distributed in a random manner. Sensitivity to specific heavy metals is determined only by one to a few genes. Several principles are elaborated: at the cellular level it is the importance of the plasmamembrane integrity at the exposition to elevated concentrations of Ag, Cu, and Hg, the regulation of the concentrations of free metals in the cytosol, and the cytosolic decontamination by an enhanced transport across the tonoplast into the vacuole (compartmentation); at the whole plant level it is the translocation velocity from root to shoot and the ability of leaves to accumulate a high amount of metals.

Herbicidal compositions of 4-benzoylisoxazole or 2-cyano-1,3-dione herbicides and antidotes therefor

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions containing 4-benzoylisoxazole or 2-cyano-1,3-dione compounds and antidotal compounds therefor to reduce injury to various crops, particularly corn, from the phytotoxic effects of 4-benzoylisoxazole or 2-cyano-1,3-dione herbicides when used alone or in combination with additional pesticidally active ingredients. Methods for reducing phytotoxicity or injury to crop plants, particularly corn crops, due to 4-benzoylisoxazole or 2-cyano-1,3-dione herbicides are also described.

Influence of temperature and light intensity on absorption, translocation, and phytotoxicity of fenoxaprop-ethyl and imazamethabenz-methyl in Avena fatua

Abstract: The absorption and translocation of fenoxaprop-ethyl and imazamethabenz-methyl were investigated in wild oat (Avena fatua L.) plants grown under different temperature and light intensity conditions by using 14C tracer techniques. The phytotoxicity of both herbicides, applied as individual droplets, was also determined under similar environments. The absorption of fenoxaprop-ethyl and imazamethabenz-methyl was increased by high temperature (30/20°C) and to a lesser extent by 70% shading; low temperature (10/5°C) had limited effect on the absorption. The basipetal translocation of fenoxaprop-ethyl was not affected by high temperature, and the increase in imazamethabenz-methyl translocation at high temperature was likely the result of the increased absorption. Low temperature decreased total translocation and translocation efficiency in both fenoxaprop-ethyl and imazamethabenz-methyl. Low light intensity tended to reduce the efficiency of basipetal translocation of both herbicides. Fenoxaprop-ethyl phytotoxicity was reduced by high temperature but not by low temperature. Temperature had little effect on imazamethabenz-methyl effectiveness. Under 70% shading, the phytotoxicity of both herbicides was enhanced.

Effect of calcium cyanamide and other ammonia fertilizers on meloydogine incognita

Abstract: The nematicidal effect of calcium cyanamide at different dosages was tested on tomato in comparison with urea and ammonium sulphate against Meloidogyne incognita. Calcium cyanamide caused phytotoxicity when applied after transplanting, whereas suppressed nematode population only at rates over 1,000 mg N/kg soil, when distributed before transplanting. Urea and ammonium sulphate were suppressive at all the application rates, although phytotoxic at the highest dosages. Fertilizer rates and final nematode population data were related significantly by the linear equation y= a - bx.

Olive-mill Wastewater Bioremediation: Evolution of a Composting Process and Agronomic Value of the End Product

Abstract: Olive-mill wastewaters (O.M.W.) were composted with wheat straw in a forced aereation static pile (7.5 × 2.5 × 1.8 m). To eliminate most of the liquid component and to degrade lignin, the thermophilic phase was prolonged for 5–6 weeks, adding O.M.W. every three days. At the end of the process, the ratio O.M.W./ solid substrate was about 10 litres per kg of straw. This paper discusses the bioremediation process from the standpoint of ligninolysis, humification, phenol degradation, phytotoxicity and agronomic value. The end product presented a degree of humification of 78%, and a residual lignin content of 30%. Soluble lignin fraction, made evident during the thermophilic phase, decreased during compost maturation. No phenols or phytotoxicity were detected in the end product. Pot and field experiments performed on maize, rye grass and horticultural plants indicated that bioremediated O.M.W. are able to support partially or totally the nutritional needs of cultures, at the same time improving soil properties.