Immobilization of arsenic in soil using modified bentonite and red mud to reduce its bio-availability in Brassica juncea

Abstract

The influence of modified clay mineral and red mud on biological yield and arsenic bioavailability to mustard were investigated. The total biomass of the mustard was increased by application of clay mineral and red mud products. At higher doses (5.00 g/kg), Fe-bentonite treated soil recorded the highest total plant biomass (11.2 g/pot). DMSO-bentonite (1.23 mg/kg) and Fe-bentonite (1.28 mg/kg) were proved to be most effective in reducing the extractable arsenic concentration in soil at the rate of 5.00 g/kg doses. These products also help in lowering the hazard quotient (0.20–0.08) values for human consumption of arsenic through mustard leaf. This means that modified types of bentonites and red mud boost mustard productivity by reducing arsenic concentration.

Keywords

• Arsenic, Bio-availability, Clay minerals, Brassica juncea, Red mud