Organic amendments potentially stabilize metals in smelter contaminated Arctic soils: An incubation study

Abstract

The long-term emission impacts of the nickel processing industry in the Kola Peninsula, the largest source of sulfur dioxide and heavy metals emissions in Northern Europe, have created vast technogenic barrens near the mineral industry complexes. The pace of rehabilitation using the improved remediation technologies to enhance sustainable environmental management and regional economic development is of crucial social and economic importance. In a 120-day incubation experiment, we evaluated the prospects for the restoration of two soils at different degradation stages via carbon pool regulation comparing to mineral ameliorants – NPK fertilizer, and liming agent. Organic additives used included a humic preparation based on an alkaline brown coal extract, wood-derived biochar, and peat-derived gel, supplied by mycorrhizae fungi. The results demonstrate that the selected organic amendments are suitable for restoration of acidic metal contaminated soils. Specifically, the treatments provided a measurable increase in soil carbon content, a marked decrease in acidity, a decrease in extractable metal contents, together with an enhanced nutrient uptake and vegetative growth. A stabilization effect increased from biochar to peat-gel, liming agent and humic preparation, with an accompanying increase in soil pH. Although biochar showed a reduced ability to metal stabilization, the associated treatments were the most productive. The most effective amendments in multi-metallic contaminated soils need to be able to stabilize bioavailability of metals, adjust pH to the optimum for plant growth, and regulate nutrient consumption.

Simultaneous Determination of Lead and cadmium in Environmental Samples Using Zinc-diethyldithiocarbamates

“…Anthropogenic activities including mining and smelting process, industrial and agricultural activities and coal combustion residues are considered as the major sources for toxic metals in agricultural soils and water 8,9 . Since these metals are not degraded or decomposed as the organic pollutants 10 , therefore, the impact and incorporation of the toxic metal in soil and water resulted in transformation in its properties and alteration the soil biological cycles which finally affect the microbiological communities 11,12 . For this reason, it is important to find simple, rapid and sensitive Several analytical methods were already used or developed for the quantitative measurement of heavy metals.…”