Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sugarcane bagasse biochar affects corn (Zea mays L.) growth in cadmium and lead-contaminated calcareous clay soil

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

Abstract

Various techniques are employed nowadays to lessen the harmful consequences of high soil concentrations of heavy metals (HMs). In this instance, a relatively novel technique to lessen the toxicity of HMs is the use of biochar. In this study, in order to investigate the effect of sugarcane bagasse biochar on improving the growth of corn (Zea mays L.) in Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contaminated soil; a pot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design. The variables included planting maize, which was done in two independent experiments for Cd and Pb, three levels of Cd (0, 40, and 80 mg kg-1 of soil from CdSO4.8H2O), three levels of Pb (0, 400, and 800 mg kg-1 of soil from PbSO4), and two levels of sugarcane bagasse biochar (0 and 5% by weight). The results showed that increasing Cd and Pb treatments significantly increased the concentrations of these two elements in the maize shoots and roots and markedly decreased the dry weight of the shoots and roots by 35 to 45% and between 55 and 65%, respectively. A rise in Cd and Pb content was also accompanied by a notable decrease in the chlorophyll index, leaf area, plant height, and dry weight of roots and shoots. However, the use of sugarcane bagasse biochar increased the chlorophyll index, leaf area, plant height, and dry weight of the roots and shoots as a result of a considerable decrease in the concentration of Cd and Pb in the roots and shoots. In compared to the control, the translocation coefficient and bioconcentration factor reduced after the application of 5% sugarcane bagasse biochar. According to the findings, sugarcane bagasse biochar may stabilize and adsorb Pb and Cd from soil. It follows that adding sugarcane bagasse biochar to HM-contaminated soils is an appropriate remedial treatment that will promote plant development.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abbas T et al (2017) Effect of biochar on cadmium bioavailability and uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a soil with aged contamination. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 140:37–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander PD, Alloway BJ, Dourado AM (2006) Genotypic variations in the accumulation of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn exhibited by six commonly grown vegetables. Environmental pollution 144(3):736–745

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen SE, Grinshaw HM, Parkinson JA, Qjuarmby C (1974) Chemical methods for analyzing ecological materials. Oxford Blackwell Scientific Publications, London, p 565

    Google Scholar 

  • APHA (1992) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. In: American Public Health Association (APHA), American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF), 18th edn, Washington DC

  • Bashir S, Hussain Q, Akmal M, Riaz M, Hu H, Ijaz SS, Ahmad M, Abro S, Mehmood S, Ahmad M (2018a) Sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar reduces the cadmium and chromium bioavailability to mash bean and enhances the microbial activity in contaminated soil. J Soils Sediments 18(3):874–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-017-1796-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bashir S, Hussain Q, Shaaban M, Hu H (2018b) Efficiency and surface characterization of different plant derived biochar for cadmium (Cd) mobility, bioaccessibility and bioavailability to Chinese cabbage in highly contaminated soil. Chemosphere 211:632–639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Basta NT, Gradwohl R, Snethen KL, Schroder JL (2001) Chemical immobilization of lead, zinc, and cadmium in smelter-contaminated soils using biosolids and rock phosphate. Journal of Environmental Quality. 30:1222–1230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Břendová K, Tlustoš P, Száková J (2015) Biochar immobilizes cadmium and zinc and improves phytoextraction potential of willow plants on extremely contaminated soil. Plant, Soil and Environment 61(7):303–308. https://doi.org/10.17221/181/2015-PSE

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brennan A, Jiménez EM, Puschenreiter M, Alburquerque JA, Switzer C (2014) Effects of biochar amendment on root traits and contaminant availability of maize plants in a copper and arsenic impacted soil. Plant and Soil 379:351–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brigden K, Stringer R, Santillo D (2002) Heavy metal and radionuclide contamination of fertilizer products and phosphogypsum waste produced by The Lebanese Chemical Company, Greenpeace Research Laboratories. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter S, Shackley S, Sohi S, Suy TB, Haefele S (2013) The impact of biochar application on soil properties and plant growth of pot grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and cabbage (Brassica chinensis). Agronomy 3:404–418

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaney RL, Reeves PG, Ryan JA, Simmons RW, Welch RM, Angle JS (2004) An improved understanding of soil Cd risk to humans and low cost methods to phytoextract Cd from contaminated soils to prevent soil Cd risks. Biometals 17:549–553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen W, Meng J, Han X, Lan Y, Zhang W (2019) Past, present, and future of biochar. Biochar 1(1):75–87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-019-00008-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cui L, Noerpel MR, Scheckel KG, Ippolito JA (2019) Wheat straw biochar reduces environmental cadmium bioavailability. Environment International 126:69–75

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Francesca F, Maria CS, Valeria M, Carmen A, Giulia M, Simonetta G, Fiore C, Valeria S (2019) Overall plant responses to Cd and Pb metal stress in maize: growth pattern, ultrastructure, and photosynthetic activity. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 26:1781–1790

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gee GW, Bauder JW (1986) Particle-size analysis. In: Klute A (ed) Methods of soil analysis, part 1. Physical and mineralogical methods, 2nd ed. ASA, SSSA, Madison, WI, pp 383–411

  • Gupta PK (2000) Soil, plant, water and fertilizer analysis. Agrobios, New Dehli, India

    Google Scholar 

  • He L, Fan S, Müller K, Hu G, Huang H, Zhang X, Lin X, Che L, Wang H (2016) Biochar reduces the bioavailability of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in soil. Chemosphere 142:24–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang ML, Zhou SL, Sun B, Zhao QG (2008) Heavy metals in wheat grain: assessment of potential health risk for inhabitants in Kunshan, China. Science of the Total Environment 405:54–61

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jeffery S et al (2015) The way forward in biochar research: targeting trade-offs between the potential wins. GCB Bioenergy. 7:1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kabata-Pendias A (2000) Trace elements in soils and plants. CRC Press, Londan

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Kharea P, Dilshada U, Routb PK, Yadava V, Jaina S (2013) Plant refuses driven biochar: application as metal adsorbent from acidic solutions. Arabian Journal of Chemistry 10:S3054–S3063

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kushwaha A, Rani R, Kumar S, Thomas T, David AA, Ahmed M (2017) A new insight to adsorption and accumulation of high lead concentration by exopolymer and whole cells of lead-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter junii L. Pb1 isolated from coal mine dump. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24:10652–10661

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lehmann J, Joseph S (2009) Biochar for environmental management: science and technology. Earthscan, London and Sterling,VA USA, p 2009

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindsay WL, Norvell WA (1978) Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese and copper. Soil Science Society of America Journal 42:421–428. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1978.03615995004200030009x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mahmudi S (1997) Characteristics and management of gypsiferous soils. Soil and Water Institute. Bulletin. 13: 2 [Google Scholar]

  • Namgay T, Singh B, Singh BP (2010) Influence of biochar application to soil on the availability of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn to maize (Zea mays L.). Soil research 48:638–647

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson DW, Sommers LE (1982) Total carbon, organic carbon and organic matter. In: Page AL et al (eds) Methods of soil analysis. ASA, SSSA, Madison, WI, pp 539–579

    Google Scholar 

  • Nie C, Yang X, Niazi NK, Xu X, Wen Y, Rinklebe J, Wang H (2018) Impact of sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar on heavy metal availability and microbial activity: a field study. Chemosphere 200:274–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park JH, Choppala GK, Bolan NS, Chung JW, Chuasavathi T (2011) Biochar reduces the bioavailability and phytotoxicity of heavy metals. Plant and Soil 348:439–451

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parkpian P, Leong ST, Laortanakul P, Thunthaisong N (2003) Regional monitoring oflead and cadmium contamination in a tropical graz-ing land site. Thailand. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 85(2):157–173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajkovich R, Akioenders R, Hanley K, Hyland C, Zimmerman AR, Lehmann J (2011) Corn growth and nitrogen nutrition after additions. Biology and Fertility of Soils 48(3):271–284

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramazani M., and Ghasemi S. 2011 .Study of phytoremediation lead by maize (Zea mays L.). First National Conference on phytoremediation. Tehran, February 2011.

  • Rassaei F (2021) Effect of different acidic phosphorus agents on the cadmium chemical fractions in calcareous soil. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 14(21):1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rassaei F (2022) Effect of monocalcium phosphate on the concentration of cadmium chemical fractions in two calcareous soils. Soil Sci Annu 73(2):152586. https://doi.org/10.37501/soilsa/152586

  • Rassaei F (2023a) Methane emissions and rice yield in a paddy soil: the effect of biochar and polystyrene microplastics interaction.Paddy Water Environ 21:85–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10333-022-00915-5

  • Rassaei F (2023b) Nitrous oxide emissions from rice paddy: impacts of rice straw and water management. Environ Prog Sustain Energy. Published online 03 January 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.14066

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2019a) Zinc and incubation time effect on cadmium chemical fractions in two types of calcareous soil. Agrochimica: International Journal of Plant Chemistry, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition of the University of Pisa 63(4):337–349. https://doi.org/10.12871/00021857201943

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2019b) Cadmium chemical forms in two calcareous soils treated with different levels of incubation time and moisture regimes. J Environ Prot. 10(04):500–513. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2019.104029

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2020a) Adsorption kinetic and cadmium fractions in two calcareous soils affected by zinc and different moisture regimes. Paddy and Water Environment 18:595–606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10333-020-00804-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2020b) Cadmium speciation as influenced by soil water content and zinc and the studies of kinetic modeling in two soils textural classes. International Soil and Water Conservation Research 8(3):286–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iswcr.2020.05.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2020d) Fractionation and mobility of cadmium and zinc in calcareous soils of Fars Province. Iran. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 13:1097. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-06123-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rassaei F, Hoodaji M, Abtahi SA (2020c) Cadmium fractions in two calcareous soils affected by incubation time, zinc and moisture regime. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 51(4):456–467. https://doi.org/10.1080/001036

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richards LA (1969) Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkali soils. United States Salinity Laboratory, Washington, p 160 USDA Agriculture Handbook

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez-Vila A, Asensio V, Forján R, Covelo EF (2015) Chemical fractionation of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in a mine soil amended with compost and biochar and vegetated with Brassica juncea L. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 158:74–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma P, Duby RS (2005) Toxicity in plants. Brazil Journal Plant physiology 17(1):35–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sohi S, Lopez-Capel E, Krull E, Bol R (2009) Biochar’s role in soil and climate change: a review of research needs. CSIRO Land and Water Science Report 59:1–57

    Google Scholar 

  • Song W, Guo M (2012) Quality variations of poultry litter biochar generated at different pyrolysis temperatures. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis 94:138–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu Z, Wang F, Liu S, Du Y, Li F, Du R, Wen D, Zhao J (2016) Comparative responses to silicon and selenium in relation to cadmium uptake, compartmentation in roots, and xylem transport in flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica juncea L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis) under cadmium stress. Environmental and Experimental Botany 131:173–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yaghoobzadeh F (2011) Phytoremediation Cadmuiem by maize (Zea mays L.). Master’s thesis,. Islamic Azad University of Saveh

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang X, Liu J, McGrouther K, Huang H, Lu K, Guo X, He L, Lin X, Che L, Ye Z (2016) Effect of biochar on the extractability of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) and enzyme activity in soil. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 23(974-984):558

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang X, Lu K, McGrouther K, Che L, Hu G, Wang Q, Liu X, Shen L, Huang H, Ye Z (2017) Bioavailability of Cd and Zn in soils treated with biochars derived from tobacco stalk and dead pigs. Journal of Soils and Sediments 17:751–762

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu XY, Ying GG, Kookana RS (2009) Reduced plant uptake of pesticides with biochar additions to soil. Chemosphere 76:665–671

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeng L, Lin X, Zhou F, Qin J, Li H (2019) Biochar and crushed straw additions affect cadmium absorption in cassava-peanut intercropping system. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 167:520–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.10.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang RH, Li ZG, Liu XD, Wang BC, Zhou GL, Huang XX, Lin CF, Wang AH, Brooks M (2017) Immobilization and bioavailability of heavy metals in greenhouse soils amended with rice straw-derived biochar. Ecological Engineering 98:183–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu F, Fan W, Wang X, Qu LI, Yao S (2011) Health risk assessment of eight heavy metals in nine varieties of edible vegetable oils consumed in China. Food and chemical toxicology 49(12):3081–3085

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my appreciation to my family (Dr. Farhang Rassaei, Mahdokht Massoud, Dr. Liza Rassaei, Dr. Farshad Rassaei, Dr. Janet Rassaei, and Farhad Rassaei) who provided me the possibility to complete this paper.

Data availability

The datasets during and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil Science, Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

    Farzad Rassaei

Authors
  1. Farzad Rassaei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Farzad Rassaei: design of the work, the acquisition, analysis, interpretation of data, and writing the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Farzad Rassaei.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Haroun Chenchouni

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

Rassaei, F. Sugarcane bagasse biochar affects corn (Zea mays L.) growth in cadmium and lead-contaminated calcareous clay soil. Arab J Geosci 16, 181 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11225-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11225-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation