In-situ detoxification of soil cadmium - Analysing the potential of LDH composite as an adsorbent

Department of Biotechnology, University of Engineering and Management, University Area, Plot No. III – B/5, New Town, Action Area – III, Kolkata – 700160, India

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Abstract

One of the key environmental issues is heavy metal contamination whereby cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic and long-lasting pollutants of industrial effluents and farm soil. Cadmium was selected to investigate on because it is very mobile, bio accumulative and has a very serious effect on human health and the ecosystem even at low levels. In the present research the possibility of Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) and LDH/Biochar (LDH/BC) composite derived from rice husk biochar was used as cadmium immobilization agent. The findings showed that cadmium concentration reduced by 16.67% with LDH and 25.8% with LDH/BC treatment, indicating improved immobilization by the composite material. Quantitative microbial analysis after treatment showed higher beneficial bacteria growth over the pathogenic ones. This work identifies LDH-based materials to be a promising and green adsorbent to be used in the removal of heavy metals and provide understanding on the use of the same in the purification of the soil in a sustainable manner.