The role of iron in the fixation of heavy metals and metalloids in soils: a review of publications

Abstract

Iron’s contribution to fixing heavy metals and metalloids in soils is very important. Iron compounds participating in redox processes control the behavior of siderophilic elements with variable oxidation degrees (Cr, As, and Sb). The behavior of heavy elements with permanent oxidation (Zn, Co, and Ni) indirectly depends on iron compounds. In organic soils, iron competes with heavy metals for active places in the functional groups of organic substances. Organic pollutants intensify the reduction of iron (hydr)oxides in an anaerobic environment, which influences the release of arsenic. Iron compounds are used as ameliorating agents and geochemical barriers for fixing heavy elements.