Developed Recyclable CaFe-Layered Double Hydroxide for Efficient Cadmium Immobilization in Soil: Performance and Bioavailability

Powdered layered double hydroxide (CaFe-LDH) was synthesized via hydrothermal co-precipitation, demonstrating successful preparation upon characterization. Subsequently, experiments were conducted to assess its efficacy in immobilizing divalent cadmium (Cd(II)). The findings substantiated the effectiveness of CaFe-LDH in immobilizing Cd(II) within soil. Various influencing factors, including LDH dosage, pH, and soil heavy metal concentration, were systematically investigated, revealing CaFe-LDH's superiority in Cd(II) immobilization. Notably, the leaching concentration of Cd(II) was notably reduced from 142.30 mg/L to 32.99 mg/L, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 31.10 mg/L, underscoring the significant role of CaFe-LDH in Cd(II) removal. Furthermore, the stability of CaFe-LDH was confirmed via toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) experiments and plant potting tests. In-depth analysis of the immobilization mechanism through X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) elucidated isomorphous substitution and surface adsorption as the primary mechanisms responsible for Cd(II) immobilization in contaminated soils. Additionally, isomorphic substitution and adsorption onto oxygen-containing functional groups were observed. This comprehensive study underscores the promising potential of CaFe-LDH in immobilizing Cd(II) in contaminated soil. With its commendable immobilization properties and recyclability, CaFe-LDH emerges as a promising solution for remediating heavy-metal-contaminated soils.