EFFECTS OF PHYTOREMEDIATION ON ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY AND FERTILITY RESTORATION IN CADMIUM-CONTAMINATED SOIL

This study is dedicated to the investigation of phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated soil using carrot (Daucus carota L.) and vermicompost. The paper discusses methods for modeling soil contamination and determining cadmium translocation in plants, as well as the impact of phytoremediation on the activity of soil enzymes, such as catalase, urease, dehydrogenase, and protease. The experiment showed that Daucus carota L. effectively accumulates cadmium in the roots, especially at high concentrations of contamination. The introduction of vermicompost into the soil helps reduce cadmium accumulation in the plant, which may be related to the improvement of soil structure and its ability to neutralize toxic substances. Furthermore, the addition of vermicompost helps maintain higher levels of soil enzyme activity, alleviating the toxic effects of cadmium on microorganisms and the soil ecosystem. The results of the study confirm that carrots (Daucus carota L.), as a phytoremediant, in combination with vermicompost can be used to clean the soil of pollutants (Cd) and restore its biological activity.