Preparation of environmental remediation material based on manganese-slag and sewage sludge as a strategy for remediation of cadmium pollution

Xu Zhenggang; Jin Qi; Wang Mengxin; Zhao Yunlin; Wang Tianyu; Zhai Wenhan; Huang Ziyi; Yang Guiyan

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119096

Preparation of environmental remediation material based on manganese-slag and sewage sludge as a strategy for remediation of cadmium pollution

J Environ Manage. 2023 Dec 1:347:119096. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119096. Epub 2023 Sep 27.

Authors

Xu Zhenggang¹, Jin Qi², Wang Mengxin³, Zhao Yunlin², Wang Tianyu³, Zhai Wenhan³, Huang Ziyi³, Yang Guiyan⁴

Affiliations

¹ College of Forestry, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Hunan Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Environmental and Resources Plant, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, Hunan, China.
² Hunan Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Environmental and Resources Plant, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, Hunan, China.
³ College of Forestry, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
⁴ College of Forestry, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China. Electronic address: yangguiyan@nwsuaf.edu.cn.

PMID: 37774661
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119096

Abstract

Both manganese-slag and sewage sludge are typical solid wastes, but their utilization is limited. Based on the soil properties, the abovementioned pollutants were combined with Broussonetia papyrifera to treat soil cadmium (Cd) pollution. Three materials (sewage sludge-derived biochar (SSB), Mn-SSB, and Mn-slag (Slag)) were prepared using oxygen-limited pyrolysis technology with Slag and sewage sludge, and the effects of the three materials on the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil were investigated. All three materials had distinct morphological characteristics, good functional group structure, specific surface area, and porosity. The adsorption and leaching experiments in the solution indicated that the three materials could not only directly absorb Cd²⁺ but also release nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The soil pH increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the addition of the above environmental remediation materials. Furthermore, the contents of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus in soil increased significantly, whereas the electrical conductivity of the soil decreased significantly (p < 0.05). During remediation of Cd-polluted soil by integrating the above materials with B. papyrifera, Slag significantly increased the B. papyrifera biomass, but the effects of SSB and Mn-SSB were not significant. SSB, Mn-SSB, and Slag significantly increased the protein content of B. papyrifera leaves, with Mn-SSB having the most significant effect (p < 0.05). The applications of SSB, Mn-SSB, and Slag reduced the malondialdehyde content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, reducing the damage to B. papyrifera. Mn-SSB significantly reduced the Cd content in the roots, stems, and leaves of B. papyrifera, and SSB and Slag promoted Cd enrichment in B. papyrifera. This study realized the comprehensive utilization of Mn-slag and sewage sludge and established a recycling system from solid waste to the treatment of waste soil.

Keywords: Broussonetia papyrifera; Environmental remediation materials; Heavy metal pollution; Phytoremediation; Waste management.

MeSH terms

Biodegradation, Environmental
Cadmium / chemistry
Carbon
Manganese
Metals, Heavy* / analysis
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Sewage / chemistry
Soil / chemistry
Soil Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

Cadmium
Manganese
Sewage
Carbon
Soil Pollutants
Soil
biochar
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Metals, Heavy