Using selected sepiolite (SEP) and biochar (BC) as contrasts, we investigated the effects of a new cross-linked modified chitin (CC) on the bioavailability of Pb and Cd in soils, the yield of rice, and the absorption and accumulation of Pb and Cd in different parts of rice plants in a field environment. We hope this study provides the basis for the application of this material to improve soil fertility, and a direction for further soil improvement studies. A field experiment was carried out in 2015-2016 on selected Pb- and Cd-contaminated rice fields in Linghai, Liaoning. The changes in soil pH and available Pb and Cd in the soil were analyzed after the rice was harvested(October 2016). The effects of different treatments on the growth traits and yield of rice, the absorption of Pb and Cd by rice roots, stems and leaves, and grains were compared. The results showed that adding 167-333 kg·hm-2 CC could increase the soil pH value by 0.36-0.45 units, decreasing the contents of available Pb and Cd in the soil by 46.39%-64.01% and 29.73%-43.24% respectively (P<0.05). This treatment significantly reduced the Pb and Cd contents in all parts of rice (P<0.05) compared to conventional fertilization; Pb and Cd contents in different parts of rice were significantly reduced (P<0.05) by 16.09%-38.14% and 21.22%-31.38% in the root, 19.17%-46.92% and 25.66%-45.34% in the stem and leaf, and 29.47%-58.25% and 44.75%-64.02% in the grain, respectively. The treatment of adding 333 kg·hm-2 CC (CC-2) reduced the contents of Pb and Cd in rice grains to 0.2041±0.011 mg·kg-1 and 0.1922±0.021 mg·kg-1, respectively, which were lower than or close to the limit values of Pb and Cd in rice (0.20 mg·kg-1) as per GB 2762-2005. Compared to conventional fertilization, SEP treatment, and BC treatment, without adding any amendments, the yield per mu of rice under CC treatment increased by 33.6-47, 27.6-44, and 8.67-34.77 kg, respectively. The effect of CC-2 treatment on yield was the most obvious; the yield of rice per mu increased by 47 kg, and the yield increase rate was 8.59%. The ability of CC to repair soil contaminated by Pb and Cd and to reduce the contents of Pb and Cd in rice was not weaker than that of SEP and BC. The CC treatment also controlled the migration and redistribution of Pb and Cd in soil-rice systems, and significantly increased the yield of rice. It has good potential to ensure the safe production of rice.
Keywords: Cd; Pb; biochar(BC); cross-linking modification chitin(CC); heavy metals; rice yield; sepiolite(SEP); soil conditioner.