Evaluating the Efficacy of Activated Carbon in Minimizing the Risk of Heavy Metals Contamination in Spinach for Safe Consumption

Abstract

Toxicity induced by heavy metals is a major concern in agriculture as it decreases crops' growth and yield and leads to the deterioration of food quality. Recently, activated carbon has been identified as a possible solution. It can potentially improve crop nutrition and immobilize heavy metals in soil. That is why a glasshouse trial was conducted to investigate the effects of sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar on spinach growth and the availability of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in artificially contaminated soil. The soil was placed in pots and contaminated with Cd and Cr at a rate of 10 mg kg −1 . Biochar was added to the soil at concentrations of 0 (control), 0 (contaminated control), 100, 150, and 200 g, and 10-day-old nursery spinach plants were transplanted to the pots. The results showed that applying 200 g of biochar significantly increased shoot weight (235 g), soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter. The highest levels of Cd (27.71 mg kg −1 ) and Cr (20.44 mg kg −1 ) were observed in the contaminated control pots, while the lowest levels of Cd (16.80 mg kg −1 ) and Cr (9.80 mg kg −1 ) were found in pots treated with 200 g of biochar (2%). Similarly, the highest levels of Cd (35.80 mg kg −1 ) and Cr (40.24 mg kg −1 ) in the roots were found in the contaminated control pots, while the lowest levels of Cd (19.26 mg kg −1 ) and Cr (21.34 mg kg −1 ) were observed in pots treated with 200 g of biochar. Biochar application at a rate of 2% can immobilize Cd and Cr in the soil and improve chlorophyll contents, carotenoids, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance in spinach in Cd-and Cr-contaminated soils. Further long-term field studies will be necessary to determine the feasibility of applying biochar as an organic amendment for enhancing spinach growth and reducing Cd and Cr bioavailability in contaminated soil.

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“…Moreover, when activated carbon is mixed with soil, the soil density can be decreased and the porosity and field water capacity can be increased [ 49 ]. The high porosity and large surface area of carbon-based materials make them excellent habitats for beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which help in nutrient cycling and plant growth [ 50 ]. In addition, the presence of certain nanoparticles, particularly nZVI, can improve the antioxidant status of plants, enhancing their capacity to withstand harsh conditions [ 51 ].…”

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“…The presence of heavy metals not only hampers the growth and compromises the quality of crops but also leads to their accumulation within crops, ultimately finding their way into the human body through the food chain. Furthermore, it is worth noting that most heavy metals have been linked to genetic damage and an elevated risk of cancer development [ 4 ]. Therefore, it is essential to assess the quality of food to protect human health.…”