Potential negative consequences of adding phosphorus-based fertilizers to immobilize lead in soil

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Journal of Environmental Quality

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2007.0409· OSTI ID:1017335

Kilgour, Douglas W ^[1]; Moseley, Rebecca A ^[1]; Savage, Kaye S ^[2]; Jardine, Philip M ^[2]

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1. Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
2. ORNL

A study of the potential negative consequences of adding phosphate (P)-based fertilizers as amendments to immobilize lead (Pb) in contaminated soils was conducted. Lead-contaminated firing range soils also contained elevated concentrations of antimony (Sb), a common Pb hardening agent, and some arsenic (As) of unknown (possibly background) origin. After amending the soils with triple superphosphate, a relatively soluble P source, column leaching experiments revealed elevated concentrations of Sb, As, and Pb in the leachate, reflecting an initial spike in soluble Pb and a particularly dramatic increase in Sb and As mobility. Minimal As, Sb, and Pb leaching was observed during column tests performed on non-amended control soils. In vitro extractions tests were performed to assess changes in Pb, As, and Sb bioaccessibility on P amendment. Lead bioaccessibility was systematically lowered with increasing P dosage, but there was much less of an effect on As and Sb bioaccessibility than on mobility. Our results indicate that although P amendments may aid in lowering the bioaccessibility of soil-bound Pb, it may also produce an initial increase in Pb mobility and a significant release of Sb and As from the soil, dramatically increasing their mobility and to a lesser extent their bioavailability.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1017335
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Quality, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Quality Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 37; ISSN 1537-2537
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ANTIMONY
ARSENIC
FERTILIZERS
HARDENING
IN VITRO
LEACHING
ORIGIN
PHOSPHATES
SOILS