Effect of redox variation on the geochemical behavior of Sb in a vegetated Sb(V)-contaminated soil column

This study examined the geochemical behavior of antimony (Sb) in a vegetated contaminated soil column consisting of unsaturated rhizosphere and a waterlogging layer. The results showed a reducing condition (Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) of −171 mV) was formed in about 5 days in the waterlogging zone. The amount of Sb released was higher under the oxidizing unsaturated-rhizosphere compared to that in the waterlogging zone possibly because of the weaker affinity of Sb(V) to Mn- and/or Fe-oxides in soil. The fraction of Sb(III) in the dissolved total Sb increased with time when soil redox states were subjected to a further reduction. Solid phase Sb K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of soils showed that Sb(III) fraction of the deeper layer soil increased while the unsaturated upper soil solely composed Sb(V). In this study, 250 mg/kg of Sb pollution did not significantly affect plant growth and no significant transport of Sb occurred from the soil to plant. However, changes in redox conditions within the soil column induced a shift in soil microbial communities. Consequently, the importance of redox states of soil on geochemical behavior of Sb and the effects of soil flooding or waterlogging deserve attention in the management of Sb-contaminated soil.