TITLE:
Use of Biochar Derived from Soybean Stover, Wood Bark, and Rice Straw for Lead Immobilization in Polluted Soil by Maize Crops
AUTHORS:
Hamza Khaliq, Ahmed Abdullah Baeroom, Muhammad Hasnain, Anam Saira, Anam Aftab, Faiza Shahzad, Asad Ullah
KEYWORDS:
Lead, Biochar, PH, RSB + SSB, WBB + SSB, RSBB + WBB + SSB
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.11,
November
7,
2024
ABSTRACT: Heavy metals are a growing global problem that is released into the environment by both natural and human sources, including Lead (Pb). Lead is the most prevalent heavy metal contaminant in the environment and causes poisoning that not only limits plant growth but also creates health problems for animals and human beings. High Pb concentrations cause plants to produce less bloom and negatively impact the growth of cereal crops, such as rice, wheat, and maize. Various methods have been adopted to minimise the impact of these metals on nutrients that lead to health issues. In the current research, to lessen the harmful impacts of deadly heavy metals, organic treatments such as compost, manure, and biochar are used. The effects of applying varying rates of biochar (BH) from wood bark, rice straw, and soybean stubble will be evaluated on soil contaminated with Pb. The under-studied groups like RSB + WBB, RSB + SSB, and WBB + SSB resulted in the tallest plants, the highest dry weights of roots and shoots, and the highest quality output. When compared to the control group, we found that the use of RSB, WBB, and SSB significantly affected the attributes of plant growth characteristics, including plant height, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight in maize plants. However, outcomes were significantly more meaningful in the treatment options of RSB + SSB, WBB + SSB, and RSBB + WBB + SSB. The results suggested that immobilizing agents, including biochar derived from wood bark, rice straw, and soybean stubble, may immobilize lead (Pb) in soil. This would limit the amount of lead that can be recovered using DTPA and suggest a lower level of Pb immobilization for maize crops.