Stabilization of lead in polluted sediment based on an eco-friendly amendment strategy: Microenvironment response mechanism

Stabilization is the most important remediation mechanisms for sediment polluted heavy metals. However, little research has been done on the identification of microenvironmental response and internal correlation, as well as synergistic mechanisms during heavy metal remediation. This study aims to investigate the inner response mechanisms of microenvironment after the lead (Pb) are gradually stabilized in sediment. An eco-friendly amendment strategy which firstly used 100% biodegradable sophorolipids (SOP) to modify chlorapatite (ClAP) for the fabrication of SOP@nClAP was applied in this study. The stabilization efficiency of Pb was significantly improved by SOP@nClAP compared with ClAP. Most importantly, the high-throughput sequencing showed that the dominant species in the sediment changed with the stabilization of Pb. The decrease of Proteobacteria and increase of Firmicutes, especially the Sedimentibacter within the phylum Firmicute directly suggested that large amounts of Pb were stabilized. This research is not only devoted to stabilize Pb in sediment by eco-friendly amendment strategy, but also keep a watchful eye on microenvironment response mechanisms during the Pb stabilization in sediment. Therefore, this study lays a foundation for the future application of more heavy metal amendment strategies in the sediment environment and improves the possibility of large-scale site amendment.

Automated summary

Stabilization is crucial for remediating sediment-polluted heavy metals. This study investigated the microenvironmental response mechanisms after the gradual stabilization of Pb in sediment. An eco-friendly amendment strategy utilizing biodegradable sophorolipids showed improved efficiency in Pb stabilization and led to changes in dominant species, particularly Firmicutes, indicating successful stabilization of Pb. This research not only focuses on stabilizing Pb in sediment through eco-friendly methods, but also monitors microenvironmental responses during the stabilization process, laying the groundwork for future heavy metal amendment strategies in sediment environments.