Metal Binding by Water-Soluble Polychelates and Implications for Agriculture

Abstract

Means are developed to improve the metal ion delivery/remediation potential of polyacrylamides (PAMs), by incorporation of the co-monomer N-acryloyl-4-aminosalicylic acid. The polymers were synthesized by solution and inverse emulsion polymerization. The chemical binding of two soil micronutrients, Cu2+ and Fe3+, were investigated using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The modified PAM had an enhanced affinity for metal ions compared with conventional PAMs. This modified PAM has the potential as a delivery tool of plant micronutrients and stabilizers for agricultural soils undergoing intense irrigation. The same polymers may also provide a detoxifying effect in these applications where some micronutrient sources may be in excess and detrimental to productive agriculture.