Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The influence of particle size and feedstock of biochar on the accumulation of Cd, Zn, Pb, and As by Brassica chinensis L.

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Biochar produced from rice straw (RC) and maize stalk (MC) was amended to the heavy metal-contaminated soil to investigate the effects of different biochar feedstock and particle size (fine, moderate, coarse) on the accumulation of Cd, Zn, Pb, and As in Brassica chinensis L. (Chinese cabbage). The concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Pb in shoot were decreased by up to 57, 75, and 63%, respectively, after biochar addition (4%). Only MC decreased As concentration in B. chinensis L. shoots by up to 61%. Biochar treatments significantly decreased NH4NO3-extractable concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Pb in soil by 47–62, 33–66, and 38–71%, respectively, yet increased that of As by up to 147%. Amendment of RC was more effective on immobilizing Cd, Zn, and Pb, but mobilizing soil As, than MC. A decrease in biochar particle size greatly contributed to the immobilization of Cd, Zn, and Pb in soil and thereby the reduction of their accumulations in B. chinensis L. shoots, especially RC. Increases in soil pH and extractable P induced by biochar addition contributed to the sequestration of Cd, Zn, and Pb and the mobilization of As. Shoot biomass, root biomass, and root system of B. chinensis L. were enhanced with biochar amendments, especially RC. This study indicates that biochar addition could potentially decrease Cd, Zn, Pb, and As accumulations in B. chinensis L., and simultaneously increase its yield. A decrease in biochar particle size is favorable to improve the immobilization of heavy metals (except As). The reduction in Cd, Zn, Pb, and As levels in B. chinensis L. shoots by biochar amendment could be mainly attributed to a function of heavy metal mobility in soil, plant translocation factor, and root uptake.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beesley L, Marmiroli M, Pagano L, Pigoni V, Fellet G, Fresno T, Vamerali T, Bandiera M, Marmiroli N (2013) Biochar addition to an arsenic contaminated soil increases arsenic concentrations in the pore water but reduces uptake to tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Sci Total Environ 454–455:598–603

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beesley L, Moreno-Jiménez E, Gomez-Eyles JL (2010) Effects of biochar and greenwaste compost amendments on mobility, bioavailability and toxicity of inorganic and organic contaminants in a multi-element polluted soil. Environ Pollut 158:2282–2287

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Borchard N, Wolf A, Laabs V, Aeckersberg R, Scherer HW, Moeller A, Amelung W (2012) Physical activation of biochar and its meaning for soil fertility and nutrient leaching—a greenhouse experiment. Soil Use Manag 28:177–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CNEMC (China National Environmental Monitoring Center) (1990) Background values of soil elements in China, 1st edn. Chinese Environmental Science Press, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cui XQ, Fang SY, Yao YQ, Li TQ, Ni QJ, Yang XE, He ZL (2016) Potential mechanisms of cadmium removal from aqueous solution by Canna indica derived biochar. Sci Total Environ 562:517–525

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devau N, Cadre EL, Hinsinger P, Jaillard B, Gérard F (2009) Soil pH controls the environmental availability of phosphorus: experimental and mechanistic modelling approaches. Appl Geochem 24:2163–2174

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dixit S, Hering JG (2003) Comparison of arsenic(V) and arsenic(III) sorption onto iron oxide minerals: implications for arsenic mobility. Environ Sci Technol 37:4182–4189

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • da Silva FBV, do Nascimento CWA, Araujo PRM, da Silva FL, Lima LHV (2017) Soil contamination by metals with high ecological risk in urban and rural areas. Int J Environ Sci Technol 14:553–562

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freddo A, Cai C, Reid BJ (2012) Environmental contextualisation of potential toxic elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biochar. Environ Pollut 171:18–24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Geng CN, Zhu YG, Tong YP, Smith SE, Smith FA (2006) Arsenate (As) uptake by and distribution in two cultivars of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Chemosphere 62:608–615

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gillman GP, Sumpter EA (1986) Modification to the compulsive exchange method for measuring exchange characteristics of soils. Aust J Soil Res 24:61–66

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herath I, Kumarathilaka P, Navaratne A, Rajakaruna N, Vithanage M (2015) Immobilization and phytotoxicity reduction of heavy metals in serpentine soil using biochar. J Soils Sediments 15:126–138

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jia XY, Li JM (2011) Study on soil phosphorus availability and its relation to the soil properties in 14 soils from different sites in China. Soil Fert Sci China 6:76–82 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liang Y, Cao X, Zhao L, Arellano E (2014) Biochar- and phosphate-induced immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soil and water: implication on simultaneous remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:4665–4674

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu X, Zhang A, Ji C, Joseph S, Bian R, Li L, Pan G, Paz-Ferreiro J (2013) Biochar’s effect on crop productivity and the dependence on experimental conditions—a meta-analysis of literature data. Plant Soil 373:583–594

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu WJ, Zhu YG, Smith FA, Smith SE (2004) Do phosphorus nutrition and iron plaque alter arsenate (as) uptake by rice seedlings in hydroponic culture? New Phytol 162:481–488

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu R (2000) Soil agricultural chemical analysis method. China Agriculture Science and Technique Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu K, Yang X, Shen J, Robinson B, Huang H, Liu D, Bolan N, Pei J, Wang H (2014) Effect of bamboo and rice straw biochars on the bioavailability of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn to Sedum plumbizincicola. Agric Ecosyst Environ 191:124–132

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Masscheleyn PH, Delaune RD, Patrick WH Jr (1991) Effect of redox potential and pH on arsenic speciation and solubility in a contaminated soil. Environ Sci Technol 25:1414–1419

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGrath SP, Zhao FJ (2015) Concentrations of metals and metalloids in soils that have the potential to lead to exceedance of maximum limit concentrations of contaminants in food and feed. Soil Use Manag 31:34–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molina M, Zaelke D, Sarma KM, Andersen SO, Ramanathan V, Kaniaru D (2009) Reducing abrupt climate change risk using the Montreal protocol and other regulatory actions to complement cuts in CO2 emissions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106:20616–20621

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mollinedo J, Schumacher TE, Chintala R (2016) Biochar effects on phenotypic characteristics of “wild” and “sickle” Medicago truncatula genotypes. Plant Soil 400:1–14

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muchuweti M, Birkett JW, Chinyanga E, Zvauya R, Scrimshaw MD, Lester JN (2006) Heavy metal content of vegetables irrigated with mixtures of wastewater and sewage sludge in Zimbabwe: implications for human health. Agric Ecosyst Environ 112:41–48

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mukherjee A, Lal R, Zimmerman AR (2014) Effects of biochar and other amendments on the physical properties and greenhouse gas emissions of an artificially degraded soil. Sci Total Environ 487:26–36

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peralta-Videa JR, Lopez ML, Narayan M, Saupe G, Gardea-Torresdey J (2009) The biochemistry of environmental heavy metal uptake by plants: implications for the food chain. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 41:1665–1677

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phusantisampan T, Meeinkuirt W, Saengwilai P, Pichtel J, Chaiyarat R (2016) Phytostabilization potential of two ecotypes of Vetiveria zizanioides in cadmium-contaminated soils: greenhouse and field experiments. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23:20027–20038

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prapagdee S, Piyatiratitivorakul S, Petsom A, Tawinteung N (2014) Application of biochar for enhancing cadmium and zinc phytostabilization in Vigna radiata L. cultivation. Water Air Soil Pollut 225:2233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rees F, Simonnot MO, Morel JL (2014) Short-term effects of biochar on soil heavy metal mobility are controlled by intra-particle diffusion and soil pH increase. Eur J Soil Sci 65:149–161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sadiq M (1997) Arsenic chemistry in soils: an overview of thermodynamic predictions and field observations. Water Air Soil Pollut 93:117–136

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma RK, Agrawal M, Marshall F (2007) Heavy metal contamination of soil and vegetables in suburban areas of Varanasi, India. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 66:258–266

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shen Z, Jin F, Wang F, McMillan O, Al-Tabbaa A (2015) Sorption of lead by Salisbury biochar produced from British broadleaf hardwood. Bioresour Technol 193:553–556

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sneller FEC, Van Heerwaarden LM, Kraaijeveld-Smit FJ, Ten Bookum WM, Koevoets PLM, Schat H, Verkleij JA (1999) Toxicity of arsenate in Silene vulgaris, accumulation and degradation of arsenate-induced phytochelatins. New Phytol 144:223–232

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Strawn DG, Rigby AC, Baker LL, Coleman MD, Koch I (2015) Biochar soil amendment effects on arsenic availability to mountain brome (Bromus marginatus). J Environ Qual 44:1315–1320

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sun H, Lu H, Chu L, Shao H, Shi W (2017) Biochar applied with appropriate rates can reduce N leaching, keep N retention and not increase NH3 volatilization in a coastal saline soil. Sci Total Environ 575:820–825

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sun GX, Williams PN, Carey AM, Zhu YG, Deacon C, Raab A, Feldmann J, Islam RM, Meharg AA (2008) Inorganic arsenic in rice bran and its products are an order of magnitude higher than in bulk grain. Environ Sci Technol 42:7542–7546

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uchimiya M, Lima IM, Klasson KT, Chang S, Wartelle LH, Rodgers JE (2010) Immobilization of heavy metal ions (CuII, CdII, NiII, and PbII) by broiler litter-derived biochars in water and soil. J Agric Food Chem 58:5538–5544

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Camps-Arbestain M, Hedley M, Bishop P (2012) Predicting phosphorus bioavailability from high-ash biochars. Plant Soil 357:173–187

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu ZP, McGrouther K, Chen DL, Wu WD, Wang HL (2013) Subcellular distribution of metals within Brassica chinensis L. in response to elevated lead and chromium stress. J Agric Food Chem 61:4715–4722

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu CY, Hosseini-Bai S, Hao Y, Rachaputi RCN, Wang H, Xu Z, Wallace H (2015) Effect of biochar amendment on yield and photosynthesis of peanut on two types of soils. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:6112–6125

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang QW, Xu Y, Liu SJ, He JF, Long FY (2011) Concentration and potential health risk of heavy metals in market vegetables in Chongqing, China. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 74:1664–1669

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao FJ, Ma Y, Zhu YG, Tang Z, McGrath SP (2015) Soil contamination in China: current status and mitigation strategies. Environ Sci Technol 49:750–759

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao FJ, McGrath SP, Meharg AA (2010) Arsenic as a food chain contaminant: mechanisms of plant uptake and metabolism and mitigation strategies. Annu Rev Plant Biol 61:535–559

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng RL, Cai C, Liang JH, Huang Q, Chen Z, Huang YZ, Arp HP, Sun GX (2012) The effects of biochars from rice residue on the formation of iron plaque and the accumulation of Cd, Zn, Pb, As in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Chemosphere 89:856–862

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng RL, Chen Z, Cai C, Tie B, Liu X, Reid BJ, Huang Q, Lei M, Sun G, Baltrėnaitė E (2015) Mitigating heavy metal accumulation into rice (Oryza sativa L.) using biochar amendment—a field experiment in Hunan, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res 22:11097–11108

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou H, Yang WT, Zhou X, Liu L, Gu JF, Wang WL, Zou JL, Tian T, Peng PQ, Liao BH (2016a) Accumulation of heavy metals in vegetable species planted in contaminated soils and the health risk assessment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 13:289

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Q, Guo JJ, He CT, Shen C, Huang YY, Chen JX, Guo JH, Yuan JG, Yang ZY (2016b) Comparative transcriptome analysis between low- and high- cadmium-accumulating genotypes of pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) in response to cadmium stress. Environ Sci Technol 50:6485–6494

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zvobgo G, Hu HL, Shang SH, Shamsi IH, Zhang GP (2015) The effects of phosphate on arsenic uptake and toxicity alleviation in tobacco genotypes with differing arsenic tolerances. Environ Toxicol Chem 34:45–52

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 41501336), Beijing Outstanding Talent Training Project (2015000020060G141), the Agricultural Science and Technology Project of Beijing (20140109), and Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (KJCX20170411).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research & Development Center for Grasses and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, People’s Republic of China

    Ruilun Zheng, Cui Li, Jie Chen, Juying Wu & Qinghai Wang

  2. State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People’s Republic of China

    Guoxin Sun

  3. State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Jiangsu Biochar Engineering Center, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China

    Zubin Xie

Authors
  1. Ruilun Zheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cui Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Guoxin Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zubin Xie
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jie Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Juying Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Qinghai Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qinghai Wang.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

Electronic supplementary material

ESM 1

(DOCX 399 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zheng, R., Li, C., Sun, G. et al. The influence of particle size and feedstock of biochar on the accumulation of Cd, Zn, Pb, and As by Brassica chinensis L.. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24, 22340–22352 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9854-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9854-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation