Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of urban derived biochars such as Sugarcane bagasse (SB), Brinjal Stem (BS), and Citrus Peel (CP) produced at two different pyrolysis conditions (450 and 600 °C for 60 min) for soil heavy metal bioremediation potential. An ex-situ study was conducted to remediate single heavy metal-contaminated SoilRite with lead (Pb), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd), with biochars applied at different rates. Heavy metal status in soilrite was evaluated using various extraction methods (water-soluble, exchangeable, TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure), and PBET (Physiologically Based Extraction Tests)) to determine the biochar treatments' efficacy. The findings show that SB biochar at 450–60 are more effective in immobilizing heavy metals in water-soluble (Cd-100% Pb and Cu-70%), exchangeable (Pb:91%, Cd and Cu by 70–80%) and PBET-extracted forms (Cd-91%, Pb-80%, and Cu-75%), whereas biochar derived from BS (84%) and CP (90%) at 600–60 are more effective in immobilizing TCLP-extracted form of Pb and Cu. Urban derived biochars significantly reduced the toxicity of Pb, Cu, and Cd in various extractable forms and can stabilize and convert them into less accessible forms except for Cr. These extraction methods aid in evaluating environmental risks and influencing remediation strategies for soil heavy metal pollution. Urban biochar, as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution, significantly solves this issue, facilitating sustainable waste management.
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Abbreviations
- 450–60 and 600-60:
-
Biochar produced at temperature 450 and 600 ℃ for 60 min.
- SB:
-
Sugarcane bagasse
- BS:
-
Brinjal stem
- CP:
-
Citrus peel
- PBET:
-
Physiologically based extraction tests
- TCLP:
-
Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
- Pb:
-
Lead
- Cu:
-
Copper
- Cr:
-
Chromium
- Cd:
-
Cadmium
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Acknowledgements
H. Chaudhary acknowledges the financial support from the University Grants Commission of India and University of Delhi under its Faculty Research Support programme of Institution of Eminence.
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This research received support from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University of Delhi through the Institution of Eminence Programme (IoE/2021/12/FRP)..
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HC and KSR proposed the idea and HC conducted the sample collection, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and manuscript writing. KSR guided, interpreted the results of the study, and critically reviewed the idea. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Chaudhary, H., Rao, K.S. Impact of biochar produced at different pyrolysis conditions on heavy metal contaminated soil. Environ Geochem Health 46, 307 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02092-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-02092-2