The sediments of Andong Dam (Andong-si, South Korea) are contaminated with heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), largely due to upstream refineries and abandoned mines. Recently, heavy metals have also been detected in fish from the dam, raising concerns about ecological risks and potential impacts on human health through the food chain. In situ stabilization has emerged as a promising and effective technology for restoring contaminated sediments. Rice husk biochar (RBC), a pyrolysis product of agricultural waste, has a large surface area and rich functional groups, making it effective at reducing the bioavailability of heavy metals released from sediments. After in situ stabilization, heavy metal concentrations in sediment pore water were measured using the diffusion gradient in thin-film (DGT) technique. Building on the results from previous years, this year’s field experiment was conducted at the Andong experimental site using 5 mesocosms with 3 treatments: Control, Biochar Pellet (RBC) and Biochar Composite Pellet (MgO@RBC), a composite material was developed using rice husk biochar (RBC) and magnesium oxide (MgO). After 3 months of implementation and sediment layer monitoring, results showed that heavy metal concentrations were stabilized by the Biochar Composite Pellet, with the most significant effect being the stabilization of Pb concentration when comparing the mesocosms treated with composites to the control sample.
키워드
SedimentBiocharHeavy metalBioaccumulation
저자
Nguyen Chi Cuong [ School of Architecture Civil, Environmental, and Energy Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University ]
Won Sik Shin [ School of Architecture Civil, Environmental, and Energy Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyungpook National University ]