Remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil by combined chemical reduction and microbial stabilization: The role of biogas solid residue (BSR)

In this work, the use of chemical reduction combined with microbial stabilization to remediate Cr(VI) in contaminated soil was systematically investigated. The effectiveness, phytotoxicity and microbial diversity resulting from the combination of ferrous sulfate with microbial stabilization by biogas solid residue (BSR) were determined. The stabilization experiments showed that the optimum Cr(VI) conversion rate of 99.92% was achieved with an Fe (II)/Cr(VI) molar ratio of 3:1, a BSR dose of 5.2% (wt), and a water content of 40%. Under these conditions, the residual Cr(VI) content was 0.80 mg/kg, which satisfied the risk screening value (< 5.7 mg/ kg) for soil contamination of land for general development in China. The remaining Cr(VI) level was stable for 90 days during the chemical reduction and biogenic stabilization process. Moreover, Zucconi test analysis suggested that the soil phytotoxicity to Brassica campestris L. disappeared. The results of microbial diversity analysis indicated that the bacterial community changed significantly during chemical reduction and microbial stabilization processes, and Bacillus, Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter may participate in the reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr (III).

Automated summary

In this study, a combined approach of chemical reduction and microbial stabilization was investigated for the remediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soil. The combination of ferrous sulfate and biogas solid residue effectively converted Cr(VI) into Cr(III), reducing the residual Cr(VI) content to a level well below the screening value for soil contamination. The treatment also eliminated the phytotoxicity of the soil and caused significant changes in the microbial community.