Remediation of Cd and Zn contaminated soil by zero valent iron (Fe0): A field trial

Remediation of contaminated soil is a long-term challenge faced by human beings. The in-situ remediation was carried out using zero valent iron (Fe-0) with the rotation pattern of soybean-rape the near a smelter influenced by atmospheric subsidence. The results showed that the total contents of Cd and Zn in rhizosphere soils with Fe-0 treatment were lower than that in the control. The biomass of soybean and rape increased by 55.4 similar to 64.9% and 6.2 similar to 42.8%, respectively with the addition of Fe-0. And Fe-0 decreased the availability of Cd and Zn and the accumulation of Cd and Zn in plant roots. The Cd and Zn contents of the iron-rich substances separated from soil were much high, reaching 155.8 mg/kg and 29525 mg/kg, respectively and the total Cd and Zn in the remaining soil decreased by 28.5% and 44.6%, respectively. XRD and XPS analysis of the separated substance implied that the new production of iron oxides (gamma-FeOOH and gamma-Fe2O). The existence of CdO and CdS were observed and the main forms of Zn were ZnS, ZnO and ZnCO3 through the immobilization of iron oxides. This work suggested the feasibility of Fe-0 in the contaminated soil. Using retrievable materials from soil to remove permanently pollutants should be considered in the future remediation practice. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

This study used zero valent iron (Fe-0) for in-situ remediation of contaminated soil. The results showed that Fe-0 treatment reduced the levels of Cd and Zn in the soil and increased the biomass of soybean and rape. The separated iron-rich substances adsorbed Cd and Zn and generated new iron oxides. This study suggests the feasibility of Fe-0 for soil remediation, and the use of retrievable materials from soil for permanent pollutant removal should be considered in future remediation practices.