An assessment of the efficacy of biochar and zero-valent iron nanoparticles in reducing lead toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). (15th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nauman Mahamood, Muhammad; Zhu, Sihang; Noman, Ali; Mahmood, Abid; Ashraf, Sana; Aqeel, Muhammad; Ibrahim, Muhammad; Ashraf, Sobia; Liew, Rock Keey; Lam, Su Shiung; Irshad, Muhammad Kashif
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 319(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-15
• Subjects: Biochar -- Bioavailability -- Enzyme activities -- Lead (Pb) -- Soil remediation -- Zero-valent iron nanoparticles (n-ZVI); Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120979
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Soil heavy metal contamination is increasing rapidly due to increased anthropogenic activities. Lead (Pb) is a well-known human carcinogen causing toxic effects on humans and the environment. Its accumulation in food crops is a serious hazard to food security. Developing environment-friendly and cost-efficient techniques is necessary for Pb immobilization in the soil. A pot experiment was executed to determine the role of biochar (BC), zero-valent iron nanoparticles (n-ZVI), and zero-valent iron nanoparticles biochar composite (n-ZVI-BC) in controlling the Pb mobility and bioaccumulation in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). The results showed that BC and n-ZVI significantly enhanced the wheat growth by increasing their photosynthetic and enzymatic activities. Among all the applied treatments, the maximum significant ( p ≤ 0.05 ) improvement in wheat biomass was with the n-ZVI-BC application (T3). Compared to the control, the biomass of wheat roots, shoots & grains increased by 92.5, 58.8, and 49.1%, respectively. Moreover, the soil addition of T3 amendment minimized the Pb distribution in wheat roots, shoots, and grains by 33.8, 26.8, and 16.2%, respectively. The outcomes of this experiment showed that in comparison to control treatment plants, soil amendment with n-ZVI-BC (T3) increased the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 49.8 and 31.1%, respectively, ultimately declining electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) content in wheat by 38.7, 33.3, and 38%respectively. In addition, applied amendments declined the Pb mobility in the soil by increasing the residual Pb fractions. Soil amendment with n-ZVI-BC also increased the soil catalase (CAT), urease (UR), and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities by 68, 59, and 74%, respectively. Our research results provided valuable insight for the remediation of Pb toxicity in wheat. Hence, we can infer from our findings that n-ZVI-BC can be considered a propitious, environment friendly and affordable technique for mitigating Pb toxicity in wheat crop and reclamation of Pb polluted soils. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: NZVI-biochar composite is an efficient material for remediation of Pb induced toxicity in wheat. NZVI-biochar composite improved the soil health in terms of soil enzyme activities. Soil supplementation with nZVI-biochar composite was conducive for immobilization of Pb in soil.