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Relative Value of Phosphate Compounds in Reducing the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Lead in Contaminated Soils

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Abstract

Lead forms stable compounds with phosphate and the immobilized Pb becomes less available to soil biota. In this study, we tested the bioavailabilty of Pb using earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and plants after immobilization of Pb by a soluble P compound and an insoluble rock phosphate compound in the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Enterobacter sp.). Rock phosphate in the presence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and a soluble P compound enhanced Pb immobilization as measured by NH4NO3-extractable Pb concentration, thereby reduced its bioavailability as evaluated by earthworm Pb loading and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Pb uptake under greenhouse conditions. However, soluble P treatment increased the concentration of Pb in soil solution thereby inhibited the root elongation of mustard (Brassica hirta) seedlings. Sunflower plants in the Pb-spiked soil without P amendments showed symptoms of necrosis and stunting because of Pb toxicity. Both soluble and insoluble P treatments significantly increased shoot and root weight and decreased Pb concentration in shoot by more than 50% compared to the control. However, high Pb concentration in soil solution was found in soluble P treatment, which can be attributed to dissolved organic carbon–Pb complex formation, thereby increasing Pb mobility. The inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria can facilitate phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated site.

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Acknowledgment

This study was sponsored by Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), Australia in collaboration with the University of South Australia. The authors thank Dr. Mohammad Rahman for technical assistance with the ICP analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia

    Jin Hee Park, Nanthi Bolan, Mallavarapu Megharaj & Ravi Naidu

  2. Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Jin Hee Park, Nanthi Bolan, Mallavarapu Megharaj & Ravi Naidu

  3. Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, University of Queensland, Sir James Foots Building, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Jin Hee Park

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  1. Jin Hee Park
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Correspondence to Jin Hee Park.

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Park, J.H., Bolan, N., Megharaj, M. et al. Relative Value of Phosphate Compounds in Reducing the Bioavailability and Toxicity of Lead in Contaminated Soils. Water Air Soil Pollut 223, 599–608 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-011-0885-7

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