Application of Biochar for the Restoration of Metal(loid)s Contaminated Soils
Source abstract
Abstract
Biochar has recently aroused great interest for the restoration of contaminated soils since it improves soil properties and induces the immobilization of pollutants. This study evaluates the use of biochar from plant pruning, applied as an amendment, for immobilizing metal(loid)s in a highly contaminated soil as well as for reducing the phytotoxicity of these pollutants by promoting natural revegetation. For this purpose, a bioassay with Trifolium pratense L. was used to test the effectiveness of the soil amendment in greenhouse conditions. Three treatments were carried out including soil contaminated with metal(loid)s (RA), and this soil was amended with biochar at different dosage: 4% (RA4B) and 8% (RA8B). A non-contaminated soil (NC) from a nearby area not affected by contamination was used as a control. The results show that biochar increased soil pH by several units depending on the dose used, 8% being the most effective one. Biochar treatments also reduced soluble and bioavailable forms of Zn and Cu. Likewise, phytotoxicity was significantly reduced, promoting seed germination and biomass with plant growth values similar to the non-polluted soil. In light of the results obtained, the evaluation of the bioremediation potential of biochar under field conditions can be considered.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Heavy metals in environment · Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics · Clay minerals and soil interactions
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Departamento de Edafología y Química Agrícola, Universidad de Granada, Avenida Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
Departamento de Química Agrícola y Bromatología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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