The disposal of batteries is a problem that has been worsening in recent years by the growth of portable products that need batteries as an energy source. Brazil was one of the first countries in Latin America to draw up legislation to regulate the disposal and treatment of cells and batteries, as well as to establish limits on concentrations of heavy metals so that they can be discarded. Disposal of batteries together with household waste is a major concern because, over time, this device can oxidize and release toxic substances, including heavy metals. This work evaluated the effect of soil contamination by residues of alkaline batteries in the development of Capsicum chinense Jacq (Solanaceae). For this, the total dry mass of the plants and their respective compartments (root, shoot and leaves) were determined, as well as the ratio between them; leaf production; and the height increase of the plant after the application of the waste solution. A completely randomized experiment was carried out, being one control (addition of no residue solution) and three treatments (addition of 1-, 3- and 5-times concentrated residue solution). The most negative effect was observed in the roots, where higher concentrations of residue solution applied reflected in the reduction of plant dry mass and increment of root/total dry mass ratio. The dry mass/total dry mass ratio was higher in plants that received the 5-time concentrated residue solution and lower in the control. Plants that received the 5-time concentrated residue solution also had smaller number of leaves produced and smaller height increment. These results indicate that the low concentration of battery residues in the soil (1-time concentrated solution) favored the development of C. chinense, since these residues are mainly constituted by essential micronutrients. However, the addition of higher concentrations reflected in plant toxicity, restricting its development.
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