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Garau M, Lo Cascio M, Vasileiadis S, Sizmur T, Nieddu M, Pinna MV, Sirca C, Spano D, Roggero PP, Garau G, Castaldi P. Using biochar for environmental recovery and boosting the yield of valuable non-food crops: The case of hemp in a soil contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Heliyon 2024; 10:e28050. [PMID: 38509955 PMCID: PMC10951655 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is known to tolerate high concentrations of soil contaminants which however can limit its biomass yield. On the other hand, organic-based amendments such as biochar can immobilize soil contaminants and assist hemp growth in soils contaminated by potentially toxic elements (PTEs), allowing for environmental recovery and income generation, e.g. due to green energy production from plant biomass. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the suitability of a softwood-derived biochar to enhance hemp growth and promote the assisted phytoremediation of a PTE-contaminated soil (i.e., Sb 2175 mg kg-1; Zn 3149 mg kg-1; Pb 403 mg kg-1; and Cd 12 mg kg-1). Adding 3% (w/w) biochar to soil favoured the reduction of soluble and exchangeable PTEs, decreased soil dehydrogenase activity (by ∼2.08-fold), and increased alkaline phosphomonoesterase and urease activities, basal respiration and soil microbial carbon (by ∼1.18-, 1.22-, 1.22-, and 1.66-fold, respectively). Biochar increased the abundance of selected soil culturable microorganisms, while amplicon sequencing analysis showed a positive biochar impact on α-diversity and the induction of structural changes on soil bacterial community structure. Biochar did not affect root growth of hemp but significantly increased its aboveground biomass by ∼1.67-fold for shoots, and by ∼2-fold for both seed number and weight. Biochar increased the PTEs phytostabilisation potential of hemp with respect to Cd, Pb and Zn, and also stimulated hemp phytoextracting capacity with respect to Sb. Overall, the results showed that biochar can boost hemp yield and its phytoremediation effectiveness in soils contaminated by PTEs providing valuable biomass that can generate profit in economic, environmental and sustainability terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mauro Lo Cascio
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- CMCC – Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, IAFES Division, Via de Nicola 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Tom Sizmur
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6DW, UK
| | - Maria Nieddu
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Pinna
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Costantino Sirca
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- CMCC – Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, IAFES Division, Via de Nicola 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Donatella Spano
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- CMCC – Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation, IAFES Division, Via de Nicola 9, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Roggero
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100, Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Pinna MV, Diquattro S, Garau M, Grottola CM, Giudicianni P, Roggero PP, Castaldi P, Garau G. Combining biochar and grass-legume mixture to improve the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Heliyon 2024; 10:e26478. [PMID: 38455572 PMCID: PMC10918015 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of soil amendments with plants can be a viable option for restoring the functionality of PTEs-contaminated soils. Soil recovery could be further optimized through the mixed cropping of plant species (e.g. legumes and grasses) with different physiological characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the phytoremediation ability of Vicia villosa Roth. And Lolium rigidum Gaud. Grown alone or in mixture in a soil contaminated with PTEs (C), i.e. Cd (23 mg kg-1), Pb (4473 mg kg-1) and Zn (3147 mg kg-1), and amended with 3% biochar (C + B). Biochar improved soil fertility and changed PTEs distribution, reducing soluble fractions and increasing the more stable ones. The addition of biochar increased the plant biomass of hairy vetch and annual ryegrass, both in monoculture and when in mixture. For example, shoot and root biomass of the C + B intercropped hairy vetch and annual ryegrass increased 9- and 7-fold, and ∼3-fold respectively, compared to the respective C plants. The biochar addition decreased PTE-uptake by both plants, while mixed cropping increased the uptake of PTEs by shoots of hairy vetch grown in C and C + B. The bioaccumulation, translocation factors, and mineralomass showed that hairy vetch and annual ryegrass behaved as phytostabilising plants. PTE mineralomasses proved that mixed cropping in C + B increased the overall capacity of PTE accumulation by plant tissues, particularly the root system. Therefore, the combination of biochar and legumes/grasses mixed cropping could be an effective solution for the recovery of PTEs-contaminated soils and the mitigation of their environmental hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Pinna
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Stefania Diquattro
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Matteo Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Corinna Maria Grottola
- Institute of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Mobility (STEMS) of the National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Giudicianni
- Institute of Sciences and Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Mobility (STEMS) of the National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Roggero
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Paola Castaldi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Nucleo Ricerca Desertificazione, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Garau
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Thomas G, Sheridan C, Holm PE. A critical review of phytoremediation for acid mine drainage-impacted environments. Sci Total Environ 2022; 811:152230. [PMID: 34896134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD), a waste product of mining activities containing sulfates, iron and heavy metals, causes severe environmental degradation and pose risks to human health and sustainable development. Areas impacted by AMD are lacking remediation techniques that holistically address the ecologic, social, and economic needs of affected communities, for which phytoremediation is a promising solution. This review article introduces AMD and AMD-impacted environments and critically discusses phytomanagement, phytoprotection, and phytorestoration approaches towards AMD-impacted environments. Continued research and application of such approaches will help optimize resource and revenue-generating potentials, address biodiversity loss and carbon storage concerns of climate change, and promote sustainable agricultural management. With a focus on energy crops, phytomining critical elements, carbon storage, co-cropping, allelopathy, and ecosystem restoration, this review examines phytoremediation research that addresses positive economic and environmental opportunities for AMD-impacted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenna Thomas
- Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1187 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Denmark.
| | - Craig Sheridan
- Centre in Water Research and Development, School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa
| | - Peter E Holm
- Section for Environmental Chemistry and Physics, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1187 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Denmark
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Friesl-Hanl W, Platzer K, Riesing J, Horak O, Waldner G, Watzinger A, Gerzabek MH. Non-destructive soil amendment application techniques on heavy metal-contaminated grassland: Success and long-term immobilising efficiency. J Environ Manage 2017; 186:167-174. [PMID: 27594691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Extensive contamination of grassland with cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) is a typical problem close to Pb/Zn smelter sites. The entry of Cd or Pb into the food chain is very likely, as are toxicity effects of Zn in plants. Previous promising results from pot and field experiments showed the high potential of using amendments for immobilisation to reduce metal input into the food chain via crops grown on smelter-contaminated soils at Arnoldstein (Austria) (Friesl et al., 2006). The aim of this study was to find a practical solution for large-scale contaminations in hilly regions that avoids erosion. Field application of amendments without destroying the vegetation cover (grassland) involved two approaches: (a) slurrying (Slu) the amendments into cut gaps in the vegetation cover and (b) injecting (Inj) the amendments through the vegetation cover. Here, we investigate the immobilising and long-term efficiency of treatments [gravel sludge (2.5%) + red mud (0.5%) (GS + RM)]. Risk assessment was based on soil, plant and water samples taken over a period of 10 years. Ammonium-nitrate-extractable Cd was reduced up to 50%, Pb up to 90%, and Zn over 90%. Plant uptake into the grass mixture and narrow leaf plantain was significantly reduced for Cd, Pb, and Zn. Harvesting early in vegetation period can further reduce uptake and meet the threshold for fodder crops. The reduction of these elements in the seepage water in 24 samplings within these 10 years reached 40%, 45% and 50%, respectively. Immobilisation increased microbial biomass and decreased human bioaccessibility for Pb. Our investigation of the long-term efficiency of GS + RM in all treatments shows that the Slu and Inj amendment application techniques have promising potential as a realistic and practical method for extensively contaminated hilly land. Slurrying performed best. We conclude that grassland remediation methods involving tillage are counterproductive from the viewpoint of bioaccessibility and soil protection and therefore should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Friesl-Hanl
- Environmental Resources and Technologies, Energy Department, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad Lorenz-Street 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Klaus Platzer
- Environmental Resources and Technologies, Energy Department, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad Lorenz-Street 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Johann Riesing
- Environmental Resources and Technologies, Energy Department, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad Lorenz-Street 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Othmar Horak
- Environmental Resources and Technologies, Energy Department, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad Lorenz-Street 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Georg Waldner
- Environmental Resources and Technologies, Energy Department, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad Lorenz-Street 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Andrea Watzinger
- Environmental Resources and Technologies, Energy Department, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad Lorenz-Street 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Martin H Gerzabek
- Institute of Soil Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter Jordan Street 82, A-1190 Vienna, Austria
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Cundy AB, Bardos RP, Puschenreiter M, Mench M, Bert V, Friesl-Hanl W, Müller I, Li XN, Weyens N, Witters N, Vangronsveld J. Brownfields to green fields: Realising wider benefits from practical contaminant phytomanagement strategies. J Environ Manage 2016; 184:67-77. [PMID: 27068275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Gentle remediation options (GROs) are risk management strategies or technologies involving plant (phyto-), fungi (myco-), and/or bacteria-based methods that result in a net gain (or at least no gross reduction) in soil function as well as effective risk management. GRO strategies can be customised along contaminant linkages, and can generate a range of wider economic, environmental and societal benefits in contaminated land management (and in brownfields management more widely). The application of GROs as practical on-site remedial solutions is still limited however, particularly in Europe and at trace element (typically metal and metalloid) contaminated sites. This paper discusses challenges to the practical adoption of GROs in contaminated land management, and outlines the decision support tools and best practice guidance developed in the European Commission FP7-funded GREENLAND project aimed at overcoming these challenges. The GREENLAND guidance promotes a refocus from phytoremediation to wider GROs- or phyto-management based approaches which place realisation of wider benefits at the core of site design, and where gentle remediation technologies can be applied as part of integrated, mixed, site risk management solutions or as part of "holding strategies" for vacant sites. The combination of GROs with renewables, both in terms of biomass generation but also with green technologies such as wind and solar power, can provide a range of economic and other benefits and can potentially support the return of low-level contaminated sites to productive usage, while combining GROs with urban design and landscape architecture, and integrating GRO strategies with sustainable urban drainage systems and community gardens/parkland (particularly for health and leisure benefits), has large potential for triggering GRO application and in realising wider benefits in urban and suburban systems. Quantifying these wider benefits and value (above standard economic returns) will be important in leveraging funding for GRO application and soft site end-use more widely at vacant or underutilized sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Cundy
- School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.
| | - R P Bardos
- School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK; r3 Environmental Technology Ltd., Reading, UK
| | - M Puschenreiter
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), A-3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - M Mench
- BIOGECO, INRA, Univ. Bordeaux, 33615 Pessac, France
| | - V Bert
- INERIS, Clean and Sustainable Technologies and Processes Unit, DRC/RISK, Parc Technologique Alata, BP2, 60550 Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | - W Friesl-Hanl
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology - GmbH, Health & Environment Department, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - I Müller
- Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology, D-01109 Dresden, Germany
| | - X N Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, PR China; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - N Weyens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - N Witters
- Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - J Vangronsveld
- Centre for Environmental Sciences (CMK), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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