Effects of Different Biochars, Activated Carbons and Redmuds on the Growth of Trifolium repens and As and Pb Stabilization in a Former Mine Technosol.

Abstract

Soil pollution by metal(loid)s is an important issue in Europe, as it causes environmental and health problems. Therefore, remediation of these areas is needed. The success of phytoremediation process will depend on the ability of plants to implement, which can require the addition of amendments to the soil in order to improve soil conditions, immobilize pollutant and thus ameliorate plant growth. Amendments that can be used are biochar, activated carbon and redmuds, all of which have previously shown positive outcomes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of several amendments (biochars, activated carbons and redmuds) on (i) the soil physico-chemical properties of a former mine technosol contaminated by As and Pb, (ii) As and Pb immobilization and (iii) the growth of Trifolium repens. Results showed that amendment addition could ameliorate soil conditions, by reducing soil acidity (pH increased by 1.2 to 1.7 units) and immobilizing pollutants (85 to 99% of Pb immobilized); and improve plant growth (dry weight increased 1.5 to 2.5 times). However, not all amendments were beneficial to the soil and plant. For instance, the L27 activated carbon acidified soil pH, mobilized As and lowered plant growth. This study has allowed us to conclude that amendment effect is dependent on soil type, metal(loid)s and amendment properties, and it is thus necessary to choose the right amendment. Finally, amendments could be combined for better outcomes.