LAUSR

BACKGROUND The use of reclaimed dredged sediments as growing media may offer a profitable alternative to their disposal as a waste and at the same time meets the need of peat-substitute substrates in horticulture. When sediments are reused to cultivate food crops, issues related to human health rise due to potential accumulation of contaminants in the product. This pilot study aimed at verifying the suitability of a reclaimed dredged port sediment, used pure or mixed with peat, as a growing medium for lettuce cultivation. RESULTS The pure sediment caused a reduction in crop yield probably due to its unsuitable physical properties, while the mixture sediment:peat and pure peat resulted in the same yield. Although the sediment contained potentially phytotoxic heavy metals and some organic pollutants, no symptoms of plant toxicity were noticed. Besides, no organic contaminants were detected in lettuce heads, and heavy metals amounts were not hazardous for the consumers. Conversely, plants grown in the sediment were particularly rich in minerals like Ca, Mg, and Fe, and showed higher concentrations of organic acids and antioxidants. CONCLUSION The use of the sediment as a growing medium for lettuce revealed to be safe for both inorganic and organic contaminants. Nevertheless, considering crop yield results, the mixture of the sediment with other materials is recommended in order to achieve a substrate with more suitable physico-chemical properties for vegetable cultivation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.