An Investigation into the growth of lolium perenne L. and soil properties following soil amendment with phosphorus‑saturated bauxite residue

Reuse options for bauxite residue include treatment of phosphorus (P)-enriched wastewaters where the P-saturated media  ofers fertiliser potential. However, few studies have assessed the impact on soil properties. Two types of spent P-saturated  bauxite residue were applied to soil and compared to conventional super phosphatefertiliser as well as a control soil. Soil 

physico-chemical properties, worm Eisenia fetida L. choice tests, and Lolium perenne L. growth and elemental uptake were  examined. Comparable biomass and plant content for L. perenne in the P-saturated bauxite residue treatments and those  receiving superphosphate, indicated no phytotoxic efects. E. fetida L. showed a signifcant preference for the control soil  (58%±2.1%) over the amended soils, indicating some form of salt stress. Overall, P-saturated bauxite residue was comparable 

to the superphosphate fertiliser in terms of the plant performance and soil properties, indicating the potential recycling of P from waste waters using bauxite residue as a low-cost adsorbent.