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.com
Volume 9
Journal of Bioremediation & Biodegradation
ISSN: 2155-6199
Biofuel Congress 2018 &
Biomass 2018
September 04-06, 2018
JOINT EVENT
September 04-06, 2018 | Zurich, Switzerland
13
th
Global Summit and Expo on
Biomass and Bioenergy
&
12
th
World Congress on
Biofuels and Bioenergy
Understanding the potential of energy crops in heavy metals contaminated soils
Berta Cumbane, Leandro Gomes, Jorge Costa
and
Ana Fernando
DCTB/METRICS/FCT NOVA, Portugal
S
tatement of the Problem: The increasing demand for biomass for the production of bioenergy is generating land-use
conflicts which might be avoided through the establishment of dedicated energy crops on marginal land, e.g. heavy-metal
contaminated land. Indeed, heavy metals contaminated soils might cause marginality of soils through the degradation of their
quality, inducing the reduction of crop yields and the quality of agricultural products, desertification, and the loss of ecosystem
services. But assessment of bioenergy from marginal land should take into account constraining factors, such as productivity
and biomass quality. Therefore, the aim of this work was to study the effects of soils contaminated with heavy metals on growth
and productivity of kenaf, a fiber crop with potential to be used as a feedstock for bioenergy and biomaterials. Methodology
& Theoretical Orientation: The effects of different heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) on growth, productivity and biomass
quality of kenaf was evaluated in a pot essay. Plants were tested under different levels of contamination: no contamination (0),
low level of contamination (L) and high level of contamination (H). The low levels of contamination tested were chosen based
on the Portuguese Decree Law 276/2009 that indicates limit values for concentrations of heavy metals in soil (Cd: 4 mg/kg,
Cu: 300 mg/kg, Pb: 450 mg/kg, Zn: 450 mg/kg). The high level of contamination was twice this limit values. Findings: yields
were not significantly affected by contamination. Yet, biomass from contaminated pots showed higher ash content and heavy
metals content which can be detrimental for its valorization. Conclusion & Significance: Overall, kenaf showed high tolerance
to soil contamination and biomass can be used for bioenergy and biomaterials although its quality may hinder its valorization
options.
Biography
I have a degree in Agronomy and a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management. As an employee of the University of Zambezi, in recent years, in addition
to coordinating the research and extension sector in the Tete delegation, I participated in the elaboration of projects for the sustainable management of natural
resources and agricultural production to improve the problems of child malnutrition in some regions of Mozambique. At this moment I am coordinator of the project
to create the Laboratory of Geoprocessing and laboratory evaluation and promotion of environmental health, and as a doctoral student in Bioenergy, I am evaluating
the phytoremediation potential of contaminated soils using energy crops.
blcumbane@gmail.comBerta Cumbane et al., J Bioremediat Biodegrad 2018, Volume 9
DOI: 10.4172/2155-6199-C1-01
5