In order to evaluate the use of Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanioides) as a strategy for the recovery of sludge contaminated with chromium from a Tannery in the state of Lara, a greenhouse trial was conducted to determine the effect of chromium concentrations in tannery sludge on the growth of vetiver crops under greenhouse conditions. An experimental study was carried out using a completely randomized design, evaluating the following treatments: T1 Contaminated Sludge Without Vetiver Plants; T2: Contaminated Sludge + Vetiver Plants; T3: Contaminated Sludge + Substrate (Fertilizer) + Vetiver Plants; T4: Substrate (Fertilizer) + Vetiver Plants. The treatments were replicated 10 times for a total of 40 experimental units. Prior to vetiver planting, characterization of the residual sludge and organic fertilizer was carried out, determining pH, organic matter, and electrical conductivity. Similarly, prior to the trial, the amount of chromium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, copper, iron, and zinc present in the tannery sludge was determined. Chromium concentration in the sludge and in the plant was evaluated 15 and 45 days after vetiver planting. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test, using the INFOSTAT 1.0 program. The results showed that the vegetative development, expressed in root biomass and above-ground biomass of the plants, was higher in treatments where the sludge was applied together with the fertilizer, due to the nutritional contribution, which gives it value as a fertilizer. Additionally, this vegetative development indicated that vetiver plants adapted to the high concentrations of chromium present in the sludge, making its use as a phytoremediator promising.
