Remediation of Pb-Contaminated Soil Using a Novel Magnetic Nanomaterial Immobilization Agent

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2022 Feb;108(2):315-323. doi: 10.1007/s00128-021-03376-4. Epub 2021 Sep 24.

Abstract

The management of heavy metal contaminated soil has received extensive research attention. In this study, a novel immobilization agent (SiO2@Fe3O4@C-COOH) was combined with traditional immobilization agents (TIAs), i.e., CaO, organic matter (OM), and calcium superphosphate (CSP), and used to remediate Pb-contaminated soil. The immobilization effects of Pb in soil was evaluated through pot experiments involving wheat cultivation. The results indicated that SiO2@Fe3O4@C-COOH delivered a higher Pb immobilization efficiency than did TIAs such as CaO, OM, and CSP. The application of SiO2@Fe3O4@C-COOH in combination with TIAs (CaO, OM, and CSP) synergistically enhanced the Pb immobilization efficiency of the soil to 85.10%. Further, joint application in a 54.19% reduction of Pb content in wheat roots, a 65.78% reduction in stems, and a 47.96% in leaves. Thus, the combined application of SiO2@Fe3O4@C-COOH and TIAs significantly reduced the bioavailability of Pb, achieved the purpose of Pb stabilization and soil remediation, and has the potential for wide-spread application in the remediation of Pb-contaminated soils.

Keywords: Immobilization; Lead; Remediation; SiO2@Fe3O4@C-COOH; Soil.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation*
  • Lead
  • Magnetic Phenomena
  • Nanostructures*
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants
  • Lead
  • Silicon Dioxide