Effects of biochar and the earthworm Eisenia fetida on the bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and potentially toxic elements

Jose L. Gomez-Eyles, Tom Sizmur, Chris D. Collins, Mark E. Hodson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were monitored over 56 days in calcareous contaminated-soil amended with either or both biochar and Eisenia fetida. Biochar reduced total (449 to 306 mg kg(-1)) and bioavailable (cyclodextrin extractable) (276 to 182 mg kg(-1)) PAHs, PAH concentrations in E. fetida (up to 45%) but also earthworm weight. Earthworms increased PAH bioavailability by >40%. Combined treatment results were similar to the biochar-only treatment. Earthworms increased water soluble Co (3.4 to 29.2 mg kg(-1)), Cu (60.0 to 120.1 mg kg(-1)) and Ni (31.7 to 83.0 mg kg(-1)) but not As, Cd, Pb or Zn; biochar reduced water soluble Cu (60 to 37 mg kg). Combined treatment results were similar to the biochar-only treatment but gave a greater reduction in As and Cd mobility. Biochar has contaminated land remediation potential, but its long-term impact on contaminants and soil biota needs to be assessed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)616-622
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume159
Issue number2
Early online date29 Oct 2010
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2011

Bibliographical note

©2010, Elsevier Ltd.

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