Remediation of hexavalent chromium contaminated soil by biochar-supported zero-valent iron nanoparticles.

Abstract In this study, a kind of high-efficiency and low-cost biochar-supported zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI@BC) was synthesised and used in the remediation of Cr(VI)-contaminated soil. The remediation tests indicated that the immobilisation efficiency of Cr(VI) and Cr total was 100% and 91.94%, respectively, by 8 g nZVI@BC per kg soil for 15 d of remediation. Further investigations showed that exchangeable Cr was almost completely converted to Fe-Mn oxides and organic matter. Moreover, nZVI@BC could effectively improve soil fertility and reduce the leachability of Fe caused by nZVI. At the same time, the cabbage mustard growth experiments indicated that the phytotoxicity of Cr(VI) and Fe in the seedlings was effectively decreased by nZVI@BC treatment, and that the cabbage mustard growth was enhanced.