Evaluation of palygorskite for remediation of Cd-polluted soil with different water conditions

Abstract

The study aimed at comparing the effects of different water managements on soil Cd immobilization using palygorskite, which was significant for the selection of reasonable water condition. Field experiment was taken to discuss the in situ remediation effects of palygorskite on Cd-polluted paddy soils, under different water managements, using a series of variables, including pH and extractable Cd in soils, plant Cd, enzyme activity, and microorganism number in soils. In control group, the pH in continuous flooding was the highest under three water conditions, and compared to conventional irrigation, continuous flooding reduced brown rice Cd by 37.9%, and brown rice Cd in wetting irrigation increased by 31.0%. In palygorskite treated soils, at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 g kg−1, brown rice Cd reduced by 16.7, 44.4, and 55.6%; 13.8, 34.5, and 44.8%; and 13.1, 36.8, and 47.3% under continuous flooding, conventional irrigation, and wetting irrigation (p < 0.05), respectively. The enzyme activity and microbial number increased after applying palygorskite to paddy soils. Continuous flooding was a good candidate as water management for soil Cd stabilization using palygorskite. Rise in soil enzyme activity and microbial number proved that ecological function regained after palygorskite application.