Effects of The Characterization of Heavy Metal in Amaranthus Hybridus L., Grown On Poultry Manure and Refuse Dump Compost

The effects of the characterization of heavy metal in Amaranthus hybridus L, grown on poultry manure and refuse dump compost were assessed in a screen house. Seedlings of A. hybridus were transplanted into various soil treatments: Treatment A, garden soil and river sand in ratio of 3:1, control; B (garden soil, refuse dump compost and river sand in ratio 3:2:1; and C (garden soil, poultry manure and river sand in ratio 3:2:1. Completely randomized design with five experimental units were used. At intervals of 2 weeks for 14 weeks, growth parameters and concentrations of heavy metals in the plant parts at the beginning and end of the experiment were assessed. Data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and means separated using DNMRT at P < 0.05. Treatment C produced the highest mean plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems, roots and seeds, suggesting higher yield over other treatments. Treatment B performed better than A, indicating some improvement in the soil fertility with the application of refuse dump compost. Cadmium and lead in Treatment B were above the FAO/WHO limits for heavy metals in vegetables. Thus, A. hybridus grown with refuse dump compost is unsafe for consumption since they greatly accumulate toxic heavy metals.