Evaluation of the use of fertilizer obtained from pharmaceutical effluent

Abstract

Sustainability encompasses several aspects, one of which is the reuse of nutrient-rich effluent. In recent years, improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical effluent, which contain recalcitrant compounds, has caused great environmental damage. An alternative disposal strategy that has been studied for several residues is their reuse for agricultural purposes. This work evaluated the potential of using pharmaceutical effluent for fertilizing Schinus molle, a native Brazilian species locally known as “aroeira-salsa.” Effluent was pretreated by chemical precipitation, and the solid phase was tested as fertilizer. Seedlings were grown in soil or compost. The soil used was classified as Red-Yellow Acrisol with medium loamy texture and high Al content, which is typically found in the Vale do Paraíba region, São Paulo, Brazil. Two agricultural composts were used as substrate, both from the Taboão Ecological Park located in Vale do Paraíba. Fertilizer application improved the physicochemical characteristics of all growing media, increasing C, N, P, K, Mg, and Ca contents, base saturation, and pH, while decreasing Al content and density. Fertilization improved nutrient absorption and plant growth.