The presence of pathogens and potentially toxic metals are the main limitations for the agronomic recycling of sewage sludge. This study evaluated the application of biosolids, chemically treated in a distrophic Red Latosol in the production and in the absorption of nutrients by the maize crop. The sludge was treated with lime, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic and acetic acids. Biosolids treated with organic acids were neutralized with lime. The biosolids were applied in pots at a dose equivalent to 50 t ha-1 and maize was grown for a period of 55 days, and later the dry matter production and concentrations of nutrients were determined in the shoots. The highest dry matter production was observed in treatment with peracetic acid (APA) and the lowest in the treatment with lime. The application of biosolids increased the levels of macronutrients in the plant shoots. The concentration levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and Pb in the plants were below the phytotoxic limits. The biosolids showed to be an important source of nutrients for the initial development of the maize crop. Alternative treatments of the sludge can be effective in controlling pathogens and facilitate agricultural recycling of biosolids.
sewage sludge; vegetal production; agricultural recycling
