Abstract:
Objective Arsenic (As) exhibits markedly different behavior in terms of speciation and bioavailability compared to cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Therefore, the remediation of soils co-contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As is of great difficulty and has received relatively little attention, despite its serious environmental risks. This study investigates the immobilization remediation efficiency and soil fertility improvement effects of silicon-calcium-magnesium amendment (SCM) on acidic paddy soil co-contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As in southern China, aiming to provide technical solutions and theoretical basis for sustainable and safe utilization of heavy metal-contaminated farmland.
Method The optimal SCM application rate was first determined through plot experiments. Subsequently, based on these findings, a two-season consecutive field validation trial (early and late rice) was conducted in paddy fields co-contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As. Heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, As) in rice grains were monitored, while total and bioavailable heavy metal (Cd, Pb, As) contents, soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and nutrient contents were determined at different growth stages.
Result Under plot experiment conditions, an application rate of 2 250 kg SCM per hectare per season was identified as optimal. At this rate, the bioavailable Cd and Pb contents in soil were reduced by 42.4% and 15.8%, respectively, with no significant adverse effect on bioavailable As (P > 0.05). The concentrations of Cd (0.107 mg/kg), Pb (0.090 mg/kg), and As (0.289 mg/kg) in rice grains all complied with the relevant limits stipulated in the GB 2762-2022 standard. Under field conditions, the consecutive two-season application of SCM (cumulatively 4 500 kg/hm2) significantly elevated soil pH from 4.86 to 7.26, representing a 39.3% increase. The bioavailable soil Cd content decreased by 33.3% to 48.3%, bioavailable Pb by 15.7% to 17.6%, with a maximum reduction of 13.7% for bioavailable As. Compared to the concurrent blank control, Cd and Pb in rice grains were reduced by 65.5%-75.2% and 58.0%-63.0%, respectively, while As content remained within safe limits. Soil fertility also improved: organic matter content increased from 25.7 g/kg to 30.8 g/kg, and CEC increased from 8.33 cmol(+)/kg to 10.9 cmol(+)/kg.
Conclusion The consecutive application of the silicon-calcium-magnesium amendment (SiO2 ≥ 12%; 2 250 kg/hm2 per season) over two seasons successfully reduced soil Cd and Pb contamination, decreased rice uptake of As, and enhanced soil fertility, thereby achieving the dual goals of safe rice production and synchronous improvement of soil fertility in Cd-Pb-As co-contaminated paddy fields.