The efficiency of potato peel biochar for the adsorption and immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soil

We investigated the potential application of potato peel biochar (PPB) for the adsorption and immobilization of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Ni) in contaminated acidic soil. The addition of PPB to the soil, especially at the application rate of 8%, increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic carbon (OC). The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd, Pb, and Ni in the soil amended with PPB at the application rate of 8% was 3215.9, 4418.67, and 3508.51 mg kg-1, respectively. Compared to the control, the addition of 8% PPB to the soil decreased the soluble and exchangeable fraction of Cd, Pb, and Ni to 84.3, 90.6, and 79.1 mg kg-1, respectively. In contrast, the addition of 8% PPB to the soil increased the organically-bound and residual fractions of metals in the following order: Pb > Cd > Ni, and Cd > Pb > Ni, respectively. The results of this study showed that potato peel biochar has the potential to stabilize and reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated acidic soil. Therefore, potato peel biochar can serve as an eco-friendly, low-cost, and efficient adsorbent to immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated acidic soils.NOVELTY STATEMENTEffect of biochar produced from potato peel on the adsorption of the heavy metals in contaminated acidic soil.Immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated acidic soil amended with potato peel biochar.Improving the chemical properties of soil amended with potato peel biochar.