Solubility, phytoextraction and fractionation of heavy metals as a function of chelating agents applied to soil

The low biodegradability of synthetic chelating agents used for phytoextraction poses a great environmental risk due to the potential for metal leaching. Natural chelating agents can be an alternative to synthetic chelates due to their rapid biodegrability. The study aimed to compare the performance of natural organic acids (gallic, citric, and oxalic) to synthetic chelates/acids EDTA, DTPA, and NTA for induced phytoextraction of Pb, Cu and Zn by corn (Zea mays) and velvetbean (Stizolobium aterrimum). Soil samples were contaminated to concentrations: 500 (Pb), 300 (Zn), and 200 (Cu) mg kg(-1), and cultivated for 35 days. The chelators were applied at 10 mmol kg(-1) seven days before harvest. Soil samples were submitted to chemical extraction by CaCl2 and chemical fractionation. Heavy metal concentrations in the soil solution were also determined. EDTA, DTPA, and NTA were effective at solubilizing the heavy metals. Citric acid was efficient to solubilize metals in the first 24 h after application. The metal distribution across soil fractions followed the sequence: Pb: MO > OxFeA > Tr > OxFeC, Cu: MO > Tr > OxFeC > OxFeA; and Zn: MO > Tr > OxFeC > OxFeA. In general, synthetic chelators increased the exchangeable contents of Pb and Cu and decreased Pb, Cu, and Zn contents in the amorphous and crystalline iron oxides fractions. The extractant CaCl2 0.01 mol L-1 can be used to predict Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in soil solution.