Mechanisms for potential Pb immobilization by hydroxyapatite in a soil-rice system

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lead (Pb) immobilization by hydroxyapatite (HAP) in a soil-rice system, a pot experiment was conducted using Pb-contaminated soil amended with various rates of HAP and planted with rice (Oryza sativa L.). The Pb species in the soil and rice roots were determined using Pb L3-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). Application of HAP increased soil pH and induced the dissolution of phosphate, subsequently promoting the formation of chloropyromorphite, an insoluble Pb species, in the soil. Therefore, the acid soluble and DTPA-extractable Pb concentrations decreased significantly with increasing levels of applied HAP. HAP reduced the retention of Pb in the iron plaque on the root surface at maturity, thereby alleviating Pb uptake by rice roots. The amount of phosphate in roots were increased with increasing rate of application of HAP, but was negatively correlated with Pb in rice stems and leaves. Application of 32 g kg−1 of HAP triggered the precipitation of Pb5PO4Cl in roots, limiting Pb translocation from roots to shoots. In addition, HAP may induce the redistribution of Pb in rice nodes, lowering the transfer factor of Pb from the stem (or leaf) to rice grains. When the rate of application of HAP exceeds 4 g kg−1, the Pb concentration in brown rice could be reduced to less than the Chinese National Standard of 0.2 mg kg−1 (GB2762-2017).