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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #417514
Research Project: Sustaining Productivity and Ecosystem Services of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Co-transport and deposition of biochar and arsenic through saturated porous media

Author
item KUMAR, RAKESH - Auburn University
item LAMBA, JASMEET - Auburn University
item ADHIKARI, SUSHIL - Auburn University
item Torbert, Henry - Allen

Submitted to: Geological Society of America Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/2024
Publication Date: 9/22/2024
Citation: Kumar, R., Lamba, J., Adhikari, S., Torbert III, H.A. 2024. Co-transport and deposition of biochar and arsenic through saturated porous media [abstract]. Geological Society of America Conference, Sept. 22-25, 2024. Anaheim, CA.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Arsenic contamination poses significant environmental concerns due to its toxicity and potential impacts on human health. This research work aims to investigate and model co-transport and deposition of arsenic and biochar (raw and iron-modified) in saturated porous media using HYDRUS-1D under the effects of pH (5.5-10.5), ionic strength (0-10 mM), arsenic concentrations (5-10 mg/L), and biochar dosage (50-100 mg/L). Results stated that high concentrations of arsenic have been deposited at 0 mM, whereas an increase in ionic strength of 10 mM mobilizes arsenic in saturated porous media. Besides, high biochar has been deposited in saturated porous media at the increase in ionic strength due to biochar aggregation and ionic effects. Understanding the fate and remediation of arsenic in saturated porous media is crucial for effective transport and deposition. Overall, raw and iron-modified biochars act as carriers for arsenic in saturated porous media and facilitate adsorption onto their active sites during their co-transport and deposition governed by solution chemistry.