Exploring metal detoxification and accumulation potential during vermicomposting of Tea factory coal ash: sequential extraction and fluorescence probe analysis

• DOI: 10.1038/srep30402
• Publication Date: 2016-07-26T10:03:06Z
• Authors: Linee Goswami; Sanjay Pratihar; Suman Dasgupta; Pradip Bhattacharyya; Pronab Mudoi; Jayanta Bora; Satya Sundar Bhat...; Ki Hyun Kim
• Keywords: Eisenia fetida; Humus; Detoxification

Abstract Metal contamination from coal ashes (CAs) is widely recognized as a significant environmental concern. To learn more about metal detoxification and accumulation potential of earthworm species, metal-rich tea factory (TFCA) were fed to Eisenia fetida Lampito mauritii by employing fluorescent tag detection method. Fascinatingly, on feeding fluorescence probed Zn Cd along with cow dung , the gut-proteins molecular mass higher than 100 kDa was distinct evidence binding. Significant increases observed in content humified organic C [humic acid (HAC) fulvic (FAC)] degree humification during vermicomposting. Concurrently, considerably large amount toxic metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn) transformed exchangeable recalcitrant (organic matter mineral bound) fractions. Moreover, total concentrations reduced high removal efficiency upon