Elucidating the Potential of Biochar-bentonite Composite and Kaolinite-based Seed Balls for the Remediation of Coal Mining Impacted Heavy Metals Contaminated Soil

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202307.1513.v1
• Publication Date: 2023-07-25T02:42:36Z
• Authors: Isha Medha; Subhash Chandra; Jayanta Bhattacharya
• Keywords: Bentonite

Globally, open-pit coal mining is associated with severe land use impact and contamination of soil water resources heavy metals. Thus, in growing economies like India, where a significant energy source, the metals become ubiquitous. Remediation such large stretch mined-out major challenge costly process for industry. In recent years, application biochar remediation metals-contaminated has been widely practiced. However, applying cultivating plants field conditions becomes challenging. 
 This study uses unique approach by developing biochar-bentonite-based seed balls encapsulating Shorgham grass seeds at their core contaminated soil. The ball was developed using bentonite composite varying weight fractions 0.5 – 5 % respect to kaolinite, whose also varied one, three, five parts. were applied pots containing 3 kg pot-culture polyhouse period four months. Initial analysis results indicated that mine samples showed poor nutrient organic matter content as Ni, Zn, Cr, Cd. Post-pot-culture its combination three five-weight kaolinite substantial improvement pH, available nutrients, content, enzymes, overall fertility index compared controlled other cases. same significantly reduced plant-available Cd translocation these from rhizosphere zone grass’s aerial parts, indicating stabilization within matrix. Moreover, substantially improved plant physiology release stress hormones proline glutathione cells plant’s biotic abiotic factors. soils, particularly over land, could be low-cost viable technique.