This study analysed the effect of three alkalizing soil amendments (limestone, dolomite chalcedonite) on aided phytostabilization with Festuca rubra L. depending on the hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) level in contaminated soil. Four different levels of Cr(VI) were added to the soil (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). The Cr contents in the plant roots and above-ground parts and the soil (total and extracted Cr by 0.01 M CaCl2) were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The phytotoxicity of the soil was also determined. Soil amended with chalcedonite significantly increased F. rubra biomass. Chalcedonite and limestone favored a considerable accumulation of Cr in the roots. The application of dolomite and limestone to soil contaminated with Cr(VI) contributed to a significant increase in pH values and was found to be the most effective in reducing total Cr and CaCl2-extracted Cr contents from the soil. F. rubra in combination with a chalcedonite amendment appears to be a promising solution for phytostabilization of Cr(VI)-contaminated areas. The use of this model can contribute to reducing human exposure to Cr(VI) and its associated health risks.

Department of Agrochemistry Soil Science Microbiology and Plant Nutrition Faculty of AgriSciences Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska1 61300 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Geology and Pedology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 3 613 00 Brno Czech Republic

Faculty of Engineering Artvin Coruh University Seyitler Campus 08000 Artvin Turkey

Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Pl Łódzki 4 10 727 Olsztyn Poland

Faculty of Geoengineering University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Słoneczna St 45G 10 719 Olsztyn Poland

Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection Brno University of Technology Faculty of Chemistry Purkynova 118 62100 Brno Czech Republic

Institute of Environmental Engineering Warsaw University of Life Sciences Nowoursynowska 159 02 776 Warsaw Poland

Kaunas Forestry and Environmental Engineering University of Applied Sciences Liepu str 1 Girionys LT 53101 Kaunas reg Lithuania

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