Biochar application to metal-contaminated soil: Evaluating of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn sorption behavior using single- and multi-element sorption experiment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) sorption behavior after biochar application into a metal-contaminated soil. Additionally, two different types of biochar originated from the same organic material (contaminated and uncontaminated) at different application rates (1% and 2% w/w) were evaluated as a novelty of the experiment. Batch sorption/desorption experiments were established to compare the sorption behavior of metals originating from single- and multi-element solutions. Zinc as one of the main contaminants in the studied soil was easily desorbed in the presence of Cu, Pb and to a lesser extent by Cd. This desorption was reduced after biochar application. The obtained results proved the different sorption behavior of metals in the single-metal solution compared to the multi-metal ones due to competition effect. Moreover, during multi-element sorption, Zn was significantly desorbed. The applied biochar enhanced Cu and Pb sorption and no changes were observed when contaminated and uncontaminated biochar was used. Furthermore, the application rate (1% and 2% w/w) had no effect as well. In summary, it is needed to point out that the applied rates of biochars were insufficient for metal immobilization in such contaminated soils.

Keywords

• biochar
• metal retention
• isotherms
• contamination
• soil