Evaluation of biochar and Bacillus sp. amendments on lead polluted land: Dehydrogenation enzyme and Pb availability studies

Abstract

The existence of lead (Pb) in soil has a significant ecological impact, resulting in a reduction in soil fertility. The present work effectively remediated soil contaminated with the heavy metal lead (Pb) through the application of biochar and Bacillus sp bacteria. Currently, there is ongoing research on the utilization of biochar amendments and Bacillus sp bacteria. The main objective is to assess the impact of these materials on the absorption of Pb and the activity of dehydrogenation enzymes. The findings indicate that both materials exhibit significant efficacy in absorbing Pb metal in contaminated soil over the incubation period from day 0 to day 42. The absorption capacity steadily increases until the concentration of Pb in the polluted soil reaches 1–2 ppm, using a biochar dosage of 10–30 g.kg−1. Incorporating Bacillus sp bacteria at a concentration of 25 g.kg−1 enhances the uptake of Pb metal. In terms of future prospects, the incorporation of biochar and Bacillus Sp has the potential to enhance the absorption of Pb metal, hence improving soil fertility in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.