Arsenic mobility in the amended mine tailings and its impact on soil enzyme activity

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to elucidate the effects of soil amendments [Ferrous sulfate (Fe(II)), red mud, Fe(II) with calcium carbonate (Fe(II)/L) or red mud (RM/F), zero-valent iron (ZVI), furnace slag, spent mushroom waste and by-product fertilizer] on arsenic (As) stabilization and to establish relationships between soil properties, As fractions and soil enzyme activities in amended As-rich gold mine tailings (Kangwon and Keumkey). Following the application of amendments, a sequential extraction test and evaluation of the soil enzyme activities (dehydrogenase and β-glucosidase) were conducted. Weak and negative relationships were observed between water-soluble As fractions (As(WS)) and oxalate extractable iron, while As(WS) was mainly affected by dissolved organic carbon in alkaline tailings sample (Kangwon) and by soil pH in acidic tailings sample (Keumkey). The soil enzyme activities in both tailings were mainly associated with As(WS). Principal component and multiple regression analyses confirmed that As(WS) was the most important factor to soil enzyme activities. However, with some of the treatments in Keumkey, contrary results were observed due to increased water-soluble heavy metals and carbon sources. In conclusion, our results suggest that to simultaneously achieve decreased As(WS) and increased soil enzyme activities, Kangwon tailings should be amended with Fe(II), Fe(II)/L or ZVI, while only ZVI or RM/F would be suitable for Keumkey tailings. Despite the limitations of specific soil samples, this result can be expected to provide useful information on developing a successful remediation strategy of As-contaminated soils.

Amendment application in a multi-contaminated mine soil: effects on soil enzymatic activities and ecotoxicological characteristics

“…The rise in metal extractability (Mn, Cu and Zn) did not act in detriment of β-glucosidase activity, as those soil characteristics fitted well together, with high negative factor loadings on PC1. This result is in years since iron-grit was applied, and Koo et al (2012) reported that β-glucosidase activity increased over the control with the addition of FeSO4 and iron grit separately.…”

Coal Bottom Ash Application on Park Site Soil and Its Impacts on Turfgrass Growth and Soil Quality

“…공시재료 특성 분석결과 본 연구에서 현장시험이 수행된 대조구 토양 및 인공토양 제조에 사용한 바닥재의 화 학적 특성은 토양질 분석결과 현장 시험구를 설치한 후 3회 (2016년 6, 7, 10월)에 걸쳐 실험구 및 대조구 토양의 특성을 분 석하였다 (Table 3) Ahmad et al, 2012;Koo et al, 2012;Lee et al, 2011). 토양 내 중금속 함량의 경우 대조구 및 실 험구에서 채취한 시료 모두 국내 토양환경보전법의 기준치를 만족하는 것으로 나타났으나, 실험구의 함량이 대조구 …”

Response of soil enzyme activities to synergistic effects of biosolids and plants in iron ore mine soils

“…Samples were then placed in a refrigerator at 4°C (Gianfreda et al 2005;Lai et al 1999;Li et al 2015;Perez-de-Mora et al 2005;Jin et al 2014;Qu et al 2011;Romero et al 2005;Moreno et al 2009;Koo et al 2012) to preserve biological properties (Claassens et al 2008;Maboeta et al 2006), and chemical analysis was carried out within 3 weeks. Immediately prior to analysis, samples were removed from the refrigerator, placed on petri dishes and laid on the table for air-drying.…”