Abstract
Biochar is considered as a potential material for the bioremediation of the polluted soil. Biochar of three particle sizes (<3, 3–6, and 6–9 mm) of Acacia arabica wood was used for the phytostabilization and targeted hazard assessment to the consumers. Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) was harvested and grown on the heavy metal (HM) spiked soil to study the phytostabilization efficiency, bioaccumulation of the HMs in different parts of the plant, and the hazard assessment. The results revealed that the extractable cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced with the application of biochar particles having size <3 mm by 47%, 47.4%, and 36%, respectively. Bioaccumulation in the crop roots, leaves, and fruits was lowered by 3, 3, and 2 μg/kg for Cd, 0.1, 0.08, and 0.3 mg/kg for Pb, and 0.08, 0.03, and 0.05 mg/kg for Ni, respectively, with <3 mm biochar particles compared to 6–9 mm particles. Metal translocation factor (TF) from <3 mm biochar particle size treated soil to the edible parts were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced (by 13%, 38%, and 30%), the TF trend was in the order of Cd (781%) > Ni (121%) > Pb (82%). Target hazard quotient (THQ) for Cd and Ni was <1 both for adults and children, while for Pb, THQ >1 indicated Pb toxicity risk for the exposed population. Lower bioconcentration factor (<1) indicated low uptake of HMs to the vegetables. Contamination factor (CF) showed only Cd contamination (CF >1), while Pb and Ni had CF <1. Daily intake of metals was also below the provisional tolerable daily intake. It was concluded from the results that for maximum phytostabilization and reduced bioaccumulation of HMs (Cd, Pb, and Ni), biochar amendment at the smallest particle size (<3 mm) may be applied.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
