Establishment of Phytoremediation Technology for Arsenic Contaminated Soil

Abstract

Arsenic (As) contaminated soil is a major issue in China. The discovery of As hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. opens a door for the phytoextraction of arsenic contaminated soils. The phytoremediation technology includes selecting proper P. vittata ecotype, reproduction and transplantation of P. vittata sporelings, fertilizer and chemical amendments, harvest and disposal. Depending on the local environmental conditions, scenarios for the irrigation, harvest time and frequency, and the disposal of As-enriched biomass were established. During field practices, the germination and cultivation of P. vittata sporelings, and the safe disposal of As–enriched P. vittata biomass were identified as essential processes. Therefore, fast reproduction technology of P. vittata sporeling, and safe incineration technology were paid focused attention. Furthermore, strengthening measures for the As phytoremediation technologies were proposed from the aspects of fertilizer application, harvest frequency, and ecotype selection. Finally, the biogeochemical cycles of As in the phytoremediation system was compared with the system with normal plants growing. It indicated that the application of phytoremediation led to an As net output of 7.02 kg ha−1 A−1, while on the field with normal plant growing, As was accumulating in soil at a rate of 0.24 kg ha−1 A−1.