Spectroscopic and chemical properties of biochar and water treatment residual nanoparticles and their effects on canola growth and biological activity

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a promising science in the development and improvement of soil, raising its production capacity and recycling waste in a hastily manner. This study aims to investigate the properties of some recycled nanomaterials and their effect on the biological activity and productivity of canola in degraded soils. Measuring the spectroscopic and chemical properties of nanomaterials such as biochar (nB) and water treatment residuals (nWTR) and adding them at different rates to the degraded soil. The results showed that the FTIR and XRD spectra of nWTR and nB contain many functional groups (such as C = O, OH, C = C, C-H, Si-O-Al, and Si-O-Si) and minerals. Zeta potential of the nB and nWTR was − 31.08 mV and − 65.25 mV, respectively. Addition of nB or nWTR at different rates significantly improved canola yield. Seed weight of canola plant increased with increasing nB rate by more than 64%, while it decreased with increasing nWTR rate. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and the activity of dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) increased significantly in the treated pots with the addition of nB and nWTR at different rates. Our results suggested the possibility of adding reused materials in the form of nanomaterials to the degraded soils, which would have the ability to improve their properties and increase their yield.

Enhancing Maize Yield and Soil Health through the Residual Impact of Nanomaterials in Contaminated Soils to Sustain Food

“…The decrease in ESP and EC in soil treated with residual nB or nWTR corresponded with improved soil physical properties [ 7 ]. Ca ++ , K + , and Mg ++ released from biochar displaced Na + from exchangeable sites in saline soil, enhancing Na + leaching out of the soil profile [ 41 ].…”

“…The effects of nB and nWTR addition on soil quality and canola yield in heavy clay soils were assessed by El-shahawy et al [ 7 ]; the authors highlight the potential benefits of applying both nB and nWTR at 250 mg kg −1 soil to enhance soil fertility, aggregate stability, consistency, and canola yield. Zhou et al [ 8 ] found that nB considerably changed the Loess Plateau’s soil moisture content and hypothesized that nB would lessen nitrogen loss due to erosion caused by rainfall.…”

“…According to Wang et al [ 9 ], nB fertilization lowered fertilizer use by 30% to 50% while increasing crop yields by 10% to 20%. The addition of nB and nWTR at varying rates in degraded soil resulted in a considerable increase in microbial biomass carbon (MBC), as well as the activities of dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) and the canola production in treated pots [ 7 ]. According to Mahdy et al [ 10 ], stable As-nWTR surface complexes were formed by nWTRs, which effectively immobilized and adsorb arsenic (As) in agricultural soils modified with biosolids.…”