Authors:

Michael Gehrig

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

Hazelnut Orchards Oregon produces 99% of the nation's hazelnuts, generating over $120 million of revenue annually. To increase sustainability in the hazelnut industry, scientists and farmers have begun incorporating basalt dust into the agricultural soils to sequester carbon and improve soil health via basalt weathering, a process that draws down atmospheric carbon and combines it with water and silicates to create long-term carbonate mineral storage. This process may also increase crop yield, pH, and soil water retention, however little research has investigated the potential adverse effects of this practice. Although basalt dust sourced in Oregon is primarily made of silicon, calcium, and iron, it also contains low concentrations of certain heavy metals, like chromium and manganese, which may lead to heavy metal accumulation in hazelnut trees. These heavy metals have been linked to various negative health effects, including cancer, fertility issues, and brain damage if ingested in excess amounts. Chromium, for example, is a carcinogen and can cause damage to sperm and sperm counts, and manganese is a known neurotoxin. Due to these facts, my project seeks to uncover the impact basalt dust application has on the heavy metal concentrations within the hazelnut trees, and where these concentrations are stored. I hypothesize that an increase in these heavy metals will be observed, but not to an alarming extent, ensuring the safety of the sustainable practice.

Source:

University of Oregon / 2025

Topics:

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Co-authors:

Michael Gehrig