TITLE:
Effects of Using Softwood Pellet Biochar Prepared at Different Temperatures with Grass Chippings on Retention of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils
AUTHORS:
Kyari Umar Dunoma, Limin Ma, Xingquan Shu, Haiyan Yu, Weiwei Zhang, Chengcheng Bu, Yong-Sik Wang, Jiahong Luo, Guangyao Chen, Jinpeng Yu, Ru Zhang, Yuchen Han, Haoyu Zeng, Matthew S. Wisseh, Amina Grema Mustafa, Mohammad Auwal Saidu, Mufidat Mamman Khan
KEYWORDS:
Softwood Biochar, Heavy Metal, Contaminated Soil, Grass Chips, Keffi Metropolis, Microcosm
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Polymer Chemistry,
Vol.14 No.3,
July
15,
2024
ABSTRACT: Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.