Aged biochar alters nitrogen pathways in bauxite-processing residue sand: Environmental impact and biogeochemical mechanisms

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 247; pp. 438 - 446
• Main Authors: Rezaei Rashti, M., Esfandbod, M., Phillips, I.R., Chen, C.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-04-2019
• Subjects: Aged acidic biochar; Bauxite-processing residue sand; Nitrogen loss; Rehabilitation; Nitrogen loss; Rehabilitation; Bauxite-processing residue sand; Aged acidic biochar
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.034

Low nitrogen (N) content and retention in bauxite-processing residue sand (BRS) disposal areas pose a great challenge to the establishment of sustainable vegetation cover in this highly alkaline environment. The budget and fate of applied N in BRS and its potential environmental impacts are largely unknown. We investigated the effect of combined application of biochars [aged acidic (AC) vs alkaline pine (PC)] and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser on ammonia (NH3) volatilisation, nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and N retention in a 116-day glasshouse study. The application of AC to BRS decreased pH (≈0.5 units) in BRS, while PC biochar increased pH (≈0.3 units). The application of AC reduced NH3 volatilisation by ca. 80%, while PC by ca. 25%. On the other hand, the AC treatment increased N2O emission by 5 folds. However, the N loss via N2O emission in the AC treatment only accounted for ca. 0.4% of applied N. The reduction in BRS pH and increased retention of mineral N due to the presence of oxygen-containing (phenolic and carboxylic) functional groups in AC may be responsible for reduced NH3 volatilisation and increased N2O emission. This study has highlighted the potential of biochar (particularly aged biochar) in improving N retention and minimising environmental impacts in highly alkaline environments.
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•Effects of biochar and mineral fertiliser studied on nitrogen fate in bauxite residue.•Aged acidic biochar decreased, while alkaline pine biochar increased pH of residue.•Aged biochar showed high oxygen-containing functional groups and adsorption capacity.•Added biochar decreased ammonia volatilisation while increased nitrous oxide emission.•Aged biochar increased nitrogen retention, plant nitrogen concentration and uptake.