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Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
Stabilizing Active Aluminum (Al3+) in Acidic Soils via Biochar-Induced Microbial Niches: Focusing on
Chao He1, Tuo Zhang1,2, Shiming Su1
1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
Abstract:
The pervasive toxicity of active aluminum (Al3+) in acidic red soils threatens agroecosystem sustainability, with conventional chemical stabilizers facing cost and secondary pollution constraints. This study evaluated rice husk/sawdust and their pyrolysis-derived biochar as stabilizers, focusing on microbial synergy. Results showed 3% rice husk biochar (RB) achieved 22.1 ± 1.1% stabilization efficiency within 180 days, outperforming sawdust biochar (12.1 ± 0.8%) and raw biomass. Biochar's alkalinity and porosity created neutral niches, enriching denitrifiers (Thiobacillus, Arthrobacter, Thermomonas) that elevated pH, promoted Al(OH)3 precipitation, and enhanced oxygen-containing functional groups. This work valorizes agricultural waste for long-term Al3+ toxicity mitigation.
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