Biochar application to detoxification of the heavy metal-contaminated fluvisols

Abstract

Sorption of heavy metals on solid matrices such as soils is one of the key processes which determine the fate of contaminants in the environment. Knowledge of adsorption behavior of heavy metals using biochar is essential for their application in soil remediation. Using the adsorption method, the possibility of using a wood biochar to detoxify Fluvisols contaminated with heavy metals (for example, copper) was studied. It is shown that the addition of biochar increases the metal adsorption capacity of soil. The results were analysed using the Langmuir and Freindlich isotherm equations. It was concluded that biocar can be applied to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated soils.