Effect of Macro- and Nano-Biosolid Fractions on Sorption Affinity and Transport of Pb in a Loamy Sand Soil

Applications of large amounts of biosolid to agricultural lands have raised the concern over its potential impact on co-transport of metal contaminants. In this study, bulk biosolid was fractioned into six macro- and nano-biosolid fraction sizes. We investigated variations in the physicochemical properties of the different biosolid fraction sizes, and assessed sorption affinity and transport of Pb in a loamy sand soil. Decreasing biosolid fraction size from macro to nano resulted in consistent increases in surface area, surface charge, and a decrease in pore size. Biosolid particles >
1000 µ
m showed similar surface properties that differ from biosolid particles <
m. Sorption affinity for Pb was larger on nano-biosolid as compared to all macro-biosolid fraction sizes. This is mainly attributed to the larger surface area and zeta potential of nano-biosolid, leading to increased surface reactivity and greater stability. Total amount eluted of Pb was increased in the presence of macro- and nano-biosolid by 21.3% and 45.6%, respectively. Our findings suggest that the application of the >
m biosolid fractions can help to minimize adverse effects of biosolid applied in areas susceptible to potential environmental risk of contamination by heavy metals. Further assessment of potential mobility of nano-biosolid at the field scale is needed before the recommendation of including such approach during land application of biosolid.