From Waste to Harvest: A Case Study on the Growth Dynamics of <i>Vigna radiata</i> L. and Health Implications of <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L. Cultivated in Landfill-Derived Soil

This study discovers the impact of landfill-mined fine fraction (LMFF) recovered from landfill mining on plant growth and potential ecological and health risks. The study involved the seed germination test using green gram, Vigna radiata L., and a pot experiment setup with Solanum lycopersicum L. seeds cultivated in LMFF and soil to study its effect on tomato plants. Results showed enhanced performance of green gram seeds in the LMFF extract compared to tap water, with the highest growth metrics observed in the most concentrated extract. Pot experiments revealed superior plant height and tomato yield in 100% LMFF, suggesting its effectiveness as a soil conditioner due to its rich nutritional content. However, ecological risk assessments indicated high risk from Pb, Ni, and Cu in LMFF, in comparison to local soil levels. Excessive heavy metal uptake by tomatoes surpassed the dietary restrictions, and carcinogenic risks from Cr and Pb were elevated in tomatoes grown in 100% LMFF. These findings quantify the human health hazards associated with the mismanagement of LMFF and highlight the potential of LMFF to cause heavy metal pollution, deeming it unsafe to be disposed of in low-lying areas, as is the case in most developing countries. Given the evident ability of translocation of trace metals from LMFF to plants, phytoremediation, particularly phytoextraction, could be explored as one of the treatment methods for LMFF. Future research should focus on such treatment methods to mitigate these risks and develop regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe utilization of LMFF.