Enhanced Stabilization of Lead in Soil Using Novel Biochar Composites Under Simulated Accelerated Aging Conditions

Gang Li, Fan Zhang, Yue Ma (), Xin Zhang, Qingyuan Liu, Rongchuan Ye, Yan Ma and Xianghui Liu ()
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Gang Li: Department of Ecology and Environment of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830011, China
Fan Zhang: School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Yue Ma: School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Xin Zhang: China Energy LongYuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd., Beijing 100039, China
Qingyuan Liu: School of Architecture and Safety Engineering, Xuhai College, China University of Mining and Technology, Majoring in Building Environment and Energy Application Engineering, Xuzhou 221008, China
Rongchuan Ye: School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Yan Ma: School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Xianghui Liu: School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-19

Abstract: Straw biochar (BC) and four innovative biochar environmental materials (AFFA/BC) were synthesized via oxygen-limited pyrolysis at different ratios and applied for the remediation of lead (Pb)-contaminated soils. Accelerated aging, which mimics the effects of natural aging on heavy metal fixation properties, was induced through alternating dry and wet conditions. Two models, which are based on conditional probability-induced failures, were developed to characterize the aging process more effectively. The results indicated that the novel biochar material presented elevated Si, Al, and Na contents, increased specific surface area, pore volume, and yield, and the formation of chemical bonds such as T-O-T and T-O (T = Si or Al). Simultaneously, synchronous and asynchronous spectral analysis methods were used to demonstrate that fly ash leads to the formation of new chemical bonds and protects the functional groups of biochar from the destructive effects of high temperatures. Compared with the original biochar, the application of the new biochar material to Pb-contaminated soil increased the soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and soil organic matter (SOM) content while reducing toxic Pb leaching, resulting in conversion to a more stable residual state. Throughout wet–and–dry cycles, the Pb leaching concentration from the soil gradually increased, with AFFA/BC-2 resulting in a lower aging rate. This study provides a method for preparing low-cost and green soil amendments, which have great potential for repairing HM-contaminated soil and achieving value-added utilization of coal-based solid waste and agricultural waste.

Keywords: biochar; lead; soil; conditional probability theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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