Abstract
The effect of fertilizer application to the black sand soil rich with radionuclides was investigated to determine the role of organic and chemical (NPK) fertilization on plant growth and uranium and thorium accumulation by tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) and Rocket (Eruca sativa MILL.). Plants were raised in black sand soils treated with organic and NPK fertilizers. Plant growth and relationship between uranium and thorium contents of plants and between the accumulated radionuclides and plant growth was analyzed. Uranium and thorium were accumulated with higher concentrations in roots. The growth attributes decreased with the increase of uranium and thorium contents of the plant organs. The application of organic and chemical fertilizers to black sand soils makes the radionuclides unavailable for plant uptake or translocation. The fertilizer application to the black sand soil reduced the availability of uranium. A negative relationship occurred between radionuclides content and growth of L. esculentum. Fertilizer application enhanced the plant growth and the plant biomass production but suppressed the soil-to-plant transfer of radionuclides. The managed application of organic and chemical fertilizers can be considered for phytostabilization of radionuclides in the black sand soils rich in uranium and thorium.