Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effectiveness of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) on cadmium removal in calcareous soil and acidic soil

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The use of chelators with high biodegradability is a promising strategy to remove potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from soils by washing. The current study investigated the potential of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) to remove Cd from Cd-contaminated soil from Iran (calcareous soil, ICd) and Belgium (acidic soil, BCd). Washing tests were carried out with soils artificially contaminated with 2 levels of Cd (20 and 40 mg kg−1), 4 levels of NTA (0, 2, 5, and 15 mmol L−1), different pHs (4, 7, and 10), and different contact times (20, 40, and 60 min). The results showed that the optimal concentrations of NTA were 5 and 2 mmol L−1 for ICd and BCd, respectively. After using NTA5 compared to NTA0, Cd removal at pH 4, 7, and 10 increased by 1, 76, and 80% in ICd20 and 1, 77, and 81% in ICd40, respectively. These values were 46, 53, and 52% in BCd20 and 32, 64, and 62% in BCd40, respectively, after using NTA2. Also, in the first 20 min of the experiment, 95–100% and 75–80% of the maximum extractable Cd were removed from ICd and BCd, respectively. Moreover, NTA extracted a higher percentage of Ca, Fe, Al, Zn, and Cu from BCd compared to ICd (as an exception, the percentage of Ca extracted at pH 4 was higher in ICd compared to BCd). The results showed that the physical/chemical properties of soils affect the washing efficiency and should be taken into account before selecting the type and dose of chelate to remove metals in a given soil.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adamo P, Agrelli D, Zampella M (2018) Chemical speciation to assess bioavailability, bioaccessibility and geochemical forms of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in polluted soils. In: Vivo BD, Belkin HE, Lima A (eds) Environmental geochemistry. Elsevier, pp 153–194

    Google Scholar 

  • Adelana AO, Oluwatosin GA, Agunbiade C, Are KS, Adeyolanu OD (2016) Distributions of cadmium and lead in peri-urban wetlands as influenced by soil organic matter, clay fraction, and moisture content. Cogent Food Agric 2:1159406

    Google Scholar 

  • Bai W (2018) Effects of application of NTA and EDTA on accumulation of soil heavy metals in chrysanthemum. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. IOP Publishing, p 012175

    Google Scholar 

  • Begum ZA, Rahman IM, Sawai H, Mizutani S, Maki T, Hasegawa H (2013) Effect of extraction variables on the biodegradable chelant-assisted removal of toxic metals from artificially contaminated European reference soils. Water Air Soil Pollut 224:1–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brümmer G (1986) Heavy metal species, mobility and availability in soils. In: Bernhard M, Brinckman FE, Sadler PJ (eds) The importance of chemical “speciation” in environmental processes. Springer, Berlin, pp 169–192

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Cao Q, Huang Z (2017) Review on speciation analysis of heavy metals in polluted soils and its influencing factors. Ecol Sci 36:222–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen H, Yang X, Wang P, Wang Z, Li M, Zhao FJ (2018) Dietary cadmium intake from rice and vegetables and potential health risk: a case study in Xiangtan, southern China. Sci Total Environ 639:271–277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng M, Wang A, Tang C (2017) Ammonium-based fertilizers enhance Cd accumulation in Carpobrotus rossii grown in two soils differing in pH. Chemosphere 188:689–696

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chtouki M, Naciri R, Soulaimani A, Zeroual Y, El Gharous M, Oukarroum A (2021) Effect of cadmium and phosphorus interaction on tomato: chlorophyll a fluorescence, plant growth, and cadmium translocation. Water Air Soil Pollut 232:1–11

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cornu J, Elhabiri M, Ferret C, Geoffroy V, Jezequel K, Leva Y, Lollier M, Schalk IJ, Lebeau T (2014) Contrasting effects of pyoverdine on the phytoextraction of Cu and Cd in a calcareous soil. Chemosphere 103:212–219

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curtin D, Trolove S (2013) Predicting pH buffering capacity of New Zealand soils from organic matter content and mineral characteristics. Soil Res 51:494–502

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Day PR (1965) Particle fractionation and particle-size analysis. In: Blac CA (ed) Methods of soil analysis: part 1 physical and mineralogical properties, including statistics of measurement and sampling. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, pp 545–567

    Google Scholar 

  • de Santiago A, Díaz I, del Campillo MC, Torrent J, Delgado A (2008) Predicting the incidence of iron deficiency chlorosis from hydroxylamine-extractable iron in soil. Soil Sci Soc Am J 72:1493–1499

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dermont G, Bergeron M, Mercier G, Richer-Laflèche M (2008) Soil washing for metal removal: a review of physical/chemical technologies and field applications. J Hazard Mater 152:1–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elhaddad E (2020) Sportive removal of cadmium (II) pollutant by modified Stevia plant: kinetics and sorption studies. Arab J Geosci 13:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong Z, Liu Y, Jiang Y (2009) Apply EDTA and NTA to extract Fe and Al ions from sewage sludges: batch study. 3rd International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedical Engineering. IEEE, pp 1–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Horckmans L, Swennen R, Deckers J (2006) Geochemical and mineralogical study of a site severely polluted with heavy metals (Maatheide, Lommel, Belgium). Environ Geol 50:725–742

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang J, Yang M, Gao Y, Wang J, Li D, Li T (2017) Removal of toxic metals from vanadium-contaminated soils using a washing method: reagent selection and parameter optimization. Chemosphere 180:295–301

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karimi A, Moezzi A, Chorom M, Enayatizamir N (2019) Chemical fractions and availability of Zn in a calcareous soil in response to biochar amendments. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr 19:851–864

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ketrot D, Suddhiprakarn A, Kheoruenromne I, Singh B (2013) Interactive effects of iron oxides and organic matter on charge properties of red soils in Thailand. Soil Research 51:222–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khodaverdiloo H, Han FX, Hamzenejad Taghlidabad R, Karimi A, Moradi N, Kazery JA (2020) Potentially toxic element contamination of arid and semi-arid soils and its phytoremediation. Arid Land Res Manag 34:361–391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krishnamurti GS, Naidu R (2000) Speciation and phytoavailability of cadmium in selected surface soils of South Australia. Soil Res 38:991–1004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Z, Wu L, Luo Y, Christie P (2018) Changes in metal mobility assessed by EDTA kinetic extraction in three polluted soils after repeated phytoremediation using a cadmium/zinc hyperaccumulator. Chemosphere 194:432–440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lian Svendsen M, Steinnes E, Blom HA (2011) Partitioning of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in organic-rich soil profiles in the vicinity of a zinc smelter. Chem Speciat Bioavailab 23:189–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luo J, Cai L, Qi S, Wu J, Gu XS (2018) Influence of direct and alternating current electric fields on efficiency promotion and leaching risk alleviation of chelator assisted phytoremediation. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 149:241–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meers E, Hopgood M, Lesage E, Vervaeke P, Tack F, Verloo M (2004) Enhanced phytoextraction: in search of EDTA alternatives. Int J Phytoremediation 6:95–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meers E, Ruttens A, Hopgood M, Samson D, Tack F (2005) Comparison of EDTA and EDDS as potential soil amendments for enhanced phytoextraction of heavy metals. Chemosphere 58:1011–1022

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meers E, Tack F, Verloo M (2008) Degradability of ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) in metal contaminated soils: implications for its use soil remediation. Chemosphere 70:358–363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meers E, Unamuno V, Vandegehuchte M, Vanbroekhoven K, Geebelen W, Samson R, Vangronsveld J, Diels L, Ruttens A, Laing GD, Tack F (2005) Soil-solution speciation of Cd as affected by soil characteristics in unpolluted and polluted soils. Environ Toxicol Chem: Int J 24:499–509

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mehrab N, Chorom M, Norouzi Masir M, Biswas JK, Fernandes de Souza M, Meers E (2023) Impact of soil treatment with nitrilo triacetic acid (NTA) on Cd fractionation and microbial biomass in cultivated and uncultivated calcareous soil. J Environ Health Sci Eng 21:1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mehrab N, Chorom M, Norouzi Masir M, Fernandes de Souza M, Meers E (2021) Alteration in chemical form and subcellular distribution of cadmium in maize (Zea mays L.) after NTA-assisted remediation of a spiked calcareous soil. Arab J Geosci 14:1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meng J, Zhong L, Wang L, Liu X, Tang C, Chen H, Xu J (2018) Contrasting effects of alkaline amendments on the bioavailability and uptake of Cd in rice plants in a Cd-contaminated acid paddy soil. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25:8827–8835

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mosekiemang T, Dikinya O (2012) Efficiency of chelating agents in retaining sludge-borne heavy metals in intensively applied agricultural soils. Int J Environ Sci Technol 9:129–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Naghipour D, Jaafari J, Ashrafi SD, Mahvi AH (2017) Remediation of heavy metals contaminated silty clay loam soil by column extraction with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and nitrilo triacetic acid. J Environ Eng 143:04017026

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niinae M, Nishigaki K, Aoki K (2008) Removal of lead from contaminated soils with chelating agents. Mater Trans 49:2377–2382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Polettini A, Pomi R, Calcagnoli G (2009) Assisted washing for heavy metal and metalloid removal from contaminated dredged materials. Water Air Soil Pollut 196:183–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2020) Fractionation and mobility of cadmium and zinc in calcareous soils of Fars Province. Iran Arab J Geosci 13:1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Rayment G, Higginson FR (1992) Australian laboratory handbook of soil and water chemical methods. Inkata Press, Melbourne

    Google Scholar 

  • Rengasamy P, Churchman G (1999) Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cations and sodicity. In: Peverill KI, Sparrow LA, Reuter DJ (eds) Soil analysis an interpretation manual. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, pp 147–157

    Google Scholar 

  • Rizwan M, Ali S, Adrees M, Rizvi H, Zia-ur-Rehman M, Hannan F, Qayyum MF, Hafeez F, Ok YS (2016) Cadmium stress in rice: toxic effects, tolerance mechanisms, and management: a critical review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23:17859–17879

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Różyło K, Świeca M, Gawlik-Dziki U, Stefaniuk M, Oleszczuk P (2017) The potential of biochar for reducing the negative effects of soil contamination on the phytochemical properties and heavy metal accumulation in wheat grain. Agric Food Sci 26:34–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaheen SM, Tsadilas CD, Rinklebe J (2013) A review of the distribution coefficients of trace elements in soils: influence of sorption system, element characteristics, and soil colloidal properties. Adv Colloid Interf Sci 201:43–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Poucke R, Ainsworth J, Maeseele M, Ok YS, Meers E, Tack F (2018) Chemical stabilization of Cd-contaminated soil using biochar. Appl Geochem 88:122–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vlarebo VRB (1996) Flemish soil remediation decree ratified by the Flemish government on 22/2/1995. Translated from Dutch

    Google Scholar 

  • Walkley A, Black IA (1934) An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter, and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Sci 37:29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang G, Zhang S, Xu X, Zhong Q, Zhang C, Jia Y, Li T, Deng O, Li Y (2016) Heavy metal removal by GLDA washing: optimization, redistribution, recycling, and changes in soil fertility. Sci Total Environ 569:557–568

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang K, Liu Y, Song Z, Khan ZH, Qiu W (2019) Effects of biodegradable chelator combination on potentially toxic metals leaching efficiency in agricultural soils. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 182:109399

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Liu W, Xiong L, Xu N, Ni J (2013) Influence of pH, ionic strength and humic acid on competitive adsorption of Pb (II), Cd (II) and Cr (III) onto titanate nanotubes. Chem Eng J 215:366–374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang X, de Souza MF, Li H, Qiu J, Ok YS, Meers E (2022) Biodegradation and effects of EDDS and NTA on Zn in soil solutions during phytoextraction by alfalfa in soils with three Zn levels. Chemosphere 292:133519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Ying Y, Lu S (2020) Si-Ca-K-Mg amendment reduces the phytoavailability and transfer of Cd from acidic soil to rice grain. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27:33248–33258

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Z, Jia M, Li Z, Liu H, Christie P, Wu L (2020) Acid buffering capacity of four contrasting metal-contaminated calcareous soil types: changes in soil metals and relevance to phytoextraction. Chemosphere 256:127045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao R, Ali A, Wang P, Li R, Tian X, Zhang Z (2019) Comparison of the feasibility of different washing solutions for combined soil washing and phytoremediation for the detoxification of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in contaminated soil. Chemosphere 230:510–518

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie X, Yang S, Liu H, Pi K, Wang Y (2020) The behavior of cadmium leaching from contaminated soil by nitrilotriacetic acid: implication for Cd-contaminated soil remediation. Water Air Soil Pollut 231:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T, Liu JM, Huang XF, Xia B, Su CY, Luo GF, Xu YW, Wu YX, Mao ZW, Qiu RL (2013) Chelant extraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils using new selective EDTA derivatives. J Hazard Mater 262:464–471

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhong Q, Zhang S, Pan X, Wang G, Xu X, Li T, Zhou W, He Y, Luo L, Liu Y, Liu Y (2021) Efficiency and comprehensive risk assessment of soil Pb and Cd by washing technique with three biodegradable eluents. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28:1–14

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zupanc V, Kastelec D, Lestan D, Grcman H (2014) Soil physical characteristics after EDTA washing and amendment with inorganic and organic additives. Environ Pollut 186:56–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the financial and scientific support of the Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran, and the Ghent University of Belgium.

Funding

This study was funded by the Research Vice Chancellor of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran (Grant No. SCU.AS99.692), and the New-C-Land Project (Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen, with the support of the European Regional Development Fund, Grant No. 1.2.294), OVAM, the Province West Flanders, and the Walloon Region.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

    Narges Mehrab & Mostafa Chorom

  2. Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Narges Mehrab, Marcella Fernandes de Souza & Erik Meers

Authors
  1. Narges Mehrab
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mostafa Chorom
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Marcella Fernandes de Souza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Erik Meers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Narges Mehrab.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Amjad Kallel

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Mehrab, N., Chorom, M., Fernandes de Souza, M. et al. Effectiveness of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) on cadmium removal in calcareous soil and acidic soil. Arab J Geosci 16, 622 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11745-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11745-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation