Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of sorbent (natural and modified zeolite and bentonite, iron filings and ferric sulfate) on the speciation and bioavailability of arsenic in contaminated soil. The soil used in this experiment was collected from Zarshuran area (Western Azerbaijan province, NW Iran). The sorbents were added to the soil in various rates separately. After a month of incubation, sunflower was planted in pots. After harvest, soil and plant samples of each pot were analyzed. Then various species of arsenic were estimated in soil solutions by MINTEQ software program. Water-soluble arsenate, arsenite and exchangeable arsenic from each pot measured. The results showed that the sorbents had no effect on the speciation of arsenic. Mobility of arsenite in the soil solutions has not changed. Soils treated with natural bentonite and zeolite increased soluble arsenate concentration and decreased exchangeable arsenic concentration. Although Fe-zeolite increased soluble arsenate concentration, Fe-bentonite, iron filings and ferric sulfate decreased soluble arsenate concentration and exchangeable arsenic concentration. Finally, iron filings (containing 354 mmol Fe+3) vigorously increases in the plants biomass and decreases in the arsenic concentration in plants tissue, is suggested as the best sorbent for arsenic stabilization in the region.
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