The reuse of treated oilfield-produced water (PW) presents a viable solution to water scarcity in arid regions; however, elevated boron (B) levels pose a significant constraint for sustainable irrigation. This study evaluates boron dynamics in a soil–plant system irrigated with treated PW and examines the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating its accumulation. A controlled experiment using two soil types and multiple water sources was conducted, with biochar and gypsum applied as soil amendments. Boron concentrations were assessed in plant tissues, roots, and soil layers. Results showed significant boron accumulation under PW irrigation, exceeding safe agronomic thresholds, and soil analysis indicated greater boron retention in surface layers. Boron concentrations reached maximum average concentrations exceeding 200 mg kg−1. To elucidate species-specific tolerance mechanisms, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and translocation factors (TFs) were calculated. Results revealed a distinct root-trapping strategy, with high BAF values under oilfield-produced water, while TF values remained significantly lower, indicating that these forage species successfully restricted boron translocation to aerial tissues.
Al-Jabri et al. (Sun,) studied this question.