Reducing Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil with Biochar and Zeolite

Document Type : Original research papers

Authors

1 Soil and Water Department، Faculty of Agriculture، Damietta University, Egypt

2 Soils Department، Faculty of Agriculture، Minia University, Egypt

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of biochar and zeolite as soil amendments in mitigating the availability and mobility of heavy metals in various contaminated soils across Egypt. Soil samples were collected from four distinct locations, each characterized by different levels of heavy metal contamination: Kafr El-Batikh, Kafr Soliman, Talkha, and Kafr El-Manazla. An incubation experiment was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, maintaining soil samples at 70% water-holding capacity over a 28-day period. Treatments included a control (no addition), biochar at 10% and 20%, and zeolite at 10% and 20%. The results indicated that both biochar and zeolite significantly reduced the availability of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sr,), with higher application rates resulting in greater metal fixation. These findings highlight the potential of biochar and zeolite as sustainable soil amendments for enhancing soil quality and reducing heavy metal pollution, paving the way for future agricultural practices focused on soil remediation. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term efficacy of these amendments in field conditions and their interactions with other soil management practices.

Keywords

Damietta Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 1
January 2025
Pages 17-34

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