Zeolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron for immobilization of cadmium, lead, and arsenic in farmland soils: Encapsulation mechanisms and indigenous microbial responses

Zeolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (Z-NZVI) has great potential for metal(loid) removal, but its encapsulation mechanisms and ecological risks in real soil systems are not completely clear. We conducted long-term incubation experiments to gain new insights into the interactions between metal(loid)s (Cd, Pb, As) and Z-NZVI in naturally contaminated farmland soils, as well as the alteration of indigenous bacterial communities during soil remediation. With the pH-adjusting and adsorption capacities, 30 g kg −1 Z-NZVI amendment significantly decreased the available metal(loid) concentrations by 10.2–96.8% and transformed them into strongly-bound fractions in acidic and alkaline soils after 180 d. An innovative magnetic separation of Z-NZVI from soils followed by XRD and XPS characterizations revealed that B-type ternary complexation, heterogeneous coprecipitation, and/or concurrent redox reactions of metal(loid)s, especially the formation of Cd 3 (AsO 4 ) 2 , PbFe 2 (AsO 4 ) 2 (OH) 2 , and As 0 , occurred only under specific soil conditions. Sequencing of 16S rDNA using Illumina MiSeq platform indicated that temporary shifts in iron-resistant/sensitive, pH-sensitive, denitrifying, and metal-resistant bacteria after Z-NZVI addition were ultimately eliminated because soil characteristics drove the re-establishment of indigenous bacterial community. Meanwhile, Z-NZVI recovered the basic activities of bacterial DNA replication and denitrification functions in soils. These results confirm that Z-NZVI is promising for the long-term remediation of metal(loid)s contaminated farmland soil without significant ecotoxicity. • Z-NZVI combined the advantages of pH adjustment and adsorption. • Z-NZVI decreased available Cd, Pb, and As by 10.21–96.79% in acid and alkaline soils. • B-type ternary complexation, heterogeneous coprecipitation, and redox occurred. • The dynamic impacts of Z-NZVI on indigenous bacterial communities were discussed. • The secondary mineralization of Z-NZVI bonded metal(loid)s and improved soil quality. The encapsulation mechanisms and microbial responses of Z-NZVI were investigated.