An Investigation of the Efficiency of Fulvic Acid and Straw Water Amendments for Arsenic Uptake from Groundwater by <i>Vetiveria zizanioides</i>

Abstract

The aim of the research was to investigate the efficiency of fulvic acid or straw water as an alternate amendment to chelating agents, to enhance the uptake of arsenic from groundwater by Vetiveria zizanioides. Fulvic acid and straw water were applied separately to arsenic-contaminated groundwater at different concentrations (0.1% and 0.01%). It was found that when the higher concentration (0.1%) of straw water was added to the groundwater solution, the efficiency of arsenic accumulation by roots was increased by 47.8%. Straw water not only enhanced the growth of Vetiveria zizanioides but also improved arsenic accumulation in both the shoots and roots. In contrast, the addition of fulvic acid (at high or low concentrations) resulted in the reduction of the growth Vetiveria zizanioides. Specifically, a high concentration (0.1%) of fulvic acid reduced arsenic accumulation in the roots whilst a low concentration (0.01%) of fulvic acid decreased arsenic accumulation in shoots.

MS title: Catalytic oxidation and removal of arsenite in the presence of Fe ions and zero-valent Al metals

“…Although prevention of the formation and migration of AMD from its source is generally the preferred option, this approach may not be feasible at many mining sites, and thus, collection, treatment, and subsequent discharge of the mine waters may be required [16]. Both biological [22,23] and abiotic [24][25][26] processes or techniques are able to mitigate arsenic in AMD, including As (III) and As(V). Because As(III) exhibits higher toxicity and lower affinity for environmental adsorbents, e.g., Fe(hyd)oxides, than does As(V), the conversion of As(III) to As(V) is considered a key strategy in curtailing arsenic.…”