Stabilization of fluorine-contaminated soil in aluminum smelting site with biochar loaded iron-lanthanide and aluminum-lanthanide bimetallic materials

Trivalent metals-modified-biochar (BC) has been widely used for the removal of fluorine (F) in water, but little is known about its effects on the stability and mobility of F-contaminated soil. Two types of modified-BC materials (BC-loaded iron-lanthanide (BC/Fe-La) and BC-loaded aluminum-lanthanide (BC/Al-La)) were synthesized and used for the remediation of F-contaminated soil. The forms of BC/LaxFe3x(OH)y in BC/Fe-La and BC/LaxAl3x(OH)y in BC/Al-La were identified by spectroscopy, X-ray dispersion, thermogravimetric, and pore diameter/ volume analyses. Following application (4-12%, w/w) to F-contaminated soil for 30 d, water soluble fluoride (WSF) decreased significantly. The modified-BC with a 1:1:1 molar ratio (BC: Al3+ or Fe3+: La3+) were more effective than those at 1:0.5:0.5. The BC/Al-La were the most effective to stabilize F. In particular, the highest decrease in WSF (by 91.75%) was obtained with the application of 12% BC/Al-La-2, while 8% BC/Al-La-2% and 12% BC/Al-La-1 reduced the WSF by 87.58% and 90.17%, respectively; all values obtained were lower than the national standard of China (< 1.5 mg/L). In addition, the sequential extraction results showed that modified-BC promoted the transformation of the other chemical speciation to the Fe/Mn-F.

Automated summary

Modified-biochar materials were synthesized and used for the remediation of F-contaminated soil. The results showed that BC/Al-La was the most effective in stabilizing F, significantly reducing the concentration of water soluble fluoride. Additionally, a molar ratio of 1:1:1 for BC: Al3+ or Fe3+: La3+ showed better results.