Soil contamination in the impact zone of mining enterprises in the Bashkir Transural region

The results of long-term studies of the contents of bulk forms of metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn, Co, and Cd) and their mobile compounds in soils of background and human-disturbed areas within the Krasnoural’sk–Sibai–Gai copper–zinc and Baimak–Buribai mixed copper mineralization zones in the Bashkir Transural region are discussed. It is shown that soils of the region are characterized by abnormally high natural total contents of heavy metals (HMs) typomorphic for ore mineralization: Cu, Zn, and Fe for the Sibai province and Cu, Zn, and Ni for the Baimak province. In the case of a shallow depth of the ores, the concentrations of HMs in the soils are close to or higher than the tentative permissible concentration values. The concentrations of mobile HM compounds in soils of background areas and their percentage in the total HM content strongly vary from year to year in dependence on weather conditions, position in the soil catenas, species composition of vegetation, and distance from the source of technogenic contamination. The high natural variability in the content of mobile HM compounds in soils complicates the reliable determination of the regional geochemical background and necessitates annual estimation of background parameters for the purposes of the ecological monitoring of soils. The bulk content of Cu and Zn content in soils near mining enterprises exceeds the regional geochemical background values by 2–12 times and the tentative permissible concentrations of these metals by 2–4 times. Anthropogenic contamination results in a sharp rise in the content of mobile HM compounds in soils. Their highest concentrations exceed the maximum permissible concentrations by 26 times for Cu, 18 times for Zn, and 2 times for Pb. Soil contamination in the impact zone of mining enterprises is extremely dangerous or dangerous. However, because of the high temporal variability in the migration and accumulation of HMs in the soils, the recent decline in the ore mining activities, and the construction of purification facilities, no definite temporal trends in the contents of HMs in the soils have been found in the studied region for the period from 1998 to 2015.     

Fractional and group composition of zinc and lead compounds as an indicator of the environmental status of soils

An ordinary chernozem artificially contaminated with Zn and Pb salts and reclaimed by the addition of chalk and glauconite under pot experimental conditions has been analyzed. The fractional and group composition of the metal compounds in the soil extracts have been determined according to an original combined fractionation procedure. Coefficients characterizing the changes in the environmental status of the metals under the reclamation conditions have been proposed for describing the formation tendencies of the metal composition in the soils. These are the mobility coefficients (MCs) of the heavy metals (HMs) in the soils and the stability coefficients (SCs) of the soils for the HMs. They are calculated from the analysis of the fractional and group composition of the metal compounds. The MC characterizes the environmental vulnerability of soils to the impact of HMs; the SC characterizes the environmental sustainability of soils concerning the contamination with HMs. The obtained experimental data characterize the behavior features of Zn and Pb in the studied soils. An increase in the environmental hazard has been revealed at the contamination of soils with HMs, as well as its decrease at the application of the tested ameliorants. The participation of both strongly and loosely fixed HM fractions in the development of the HM mobility in the soils and the sustainability of the soils to their impact has been shown.     

Actinomycete complexes in soils of industrial and residential zones in the city of Kirov

The number, diversity, and structure of the actinomycetal complexes in the soils of the industrial and residential zones of the city of Kirov are considered. The total content of mobile cadmium, zinc, lead, iron, and nickel in the soils of the industrial biotopes was 1.8 and 6.0 times higher than their concentration in the soils of the residential and background zones, respectively. In the heavy metal (HM)-polluted soils, the share of actinomycetes in the total number of prokaryotes and the relative abundance of the micromono-spores in the actinomycetal complex were much higher and the species diversity of the streptomycetes was lower than these characteristics in the soils of the residential zone. The differences in the composition of the mycelial prokaryote complexes appear to be related to the selective resistance of some of their representatives to heavy metals. The possibility to select the strains resistant to HMs and suitable for use in the bioremediation of polluted soils is considered.     

江西低丘红壤性水稻土的主要化学特性研究

三个红壤性水稻土的有机质和腐殖质的含量由淹育型水稻土→潴育型水稻土→潜育型水稻土依次逐渐增加,其C/N和H/P比值也顺次增大。它们的粘土矿物组成无明显差异。铁、锰物质在潴育型水稻土剖面中分异最明显,其次为淹育型水稻土;而无定形氧化铁在剖面中变幅最大却是潜育型水稻土;结晶态铁在土壤剖面中分异亦有一定规律,其中潴育型水稻土的指示性土层(W层)的晶胶率(结晶铁/无定形铁)远较其它土层为高,这种变化特性的差异,对区分不同水分作用的水稻土发育类型有一定的特殊意义;土壤络合态铁与土壤有机质含量有关。土壤氧化锰与土壤氧化铁相比虽然含量低,但对土壤氧化还原条件反应更加敏感,所以在土壤剖面中淋移趋势更加明显。     

Extraction methods for studying the fractional composition of heavy metals in soils and their comparative assessment

The data on the fractional composition of the heavy metal (HM) compounds in the plow horizon of a loamy-sandy soddy-podzolic soil investigated by different methods of fractionation are presented. The use of the BCR (Community Reference Bureau) scheme did not fully allow revealing some regularities governing the state of the copper, zinc, nickel, and lead in the soil. This system does not reflect the existing ideas concerning the interaction between the HMs and soil components. The chemical properties of the elements are manifested more distinctly when the scheme of the HM fractionation elaborated in our country is used. Despite some disadvantages, the method of chemical fractionation of metal compounds permits one to obtain adequate and useful information on the state of the microelements and HMs in soils.     

Use of Biochar as an Amendment for Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils:Prospects and Challenges

Biochar (BC), known as the new black gold, is a stable, novel carbonaceous by-product that is synthesized through pyrolysis of biological materials in the absence of O₂. Recently, an emerging interest in the application of BC as a robust soil amendment has given rise to a broad research area in science and technology. It is considered a promising remediation option for heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils to reduce HM bioavailability to plants. Remediation efficacy of BC depends on the porosity, composition, pyrolysis temperature, feedstock, and residence time of pyrolysis. This review article aimed to present an overview of BC use in the immobilization of HMs, i.e., Cd, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Sb, in contaminated soils. The remaining uncertain factors, including the specific soil HM immobilization mechanisms, long-term beneficial effects, and potential environmental risks associated with BC application are analyzed. Future research must be conducted to ensure that the management of environmental pollution is in accord with ecological sustainability and adaptation of the black gold biotechnology on a commercial basis for immobilization of HMs in contaminated soils.     

我国酸性硫酸盐土壤中铁锰形态转化及迁移

酸性硫酸盐土壤酸性很强，有机质含量高，造成了这种土壤所特有的铁锰淋洗、转化和迁移规律。研究结果表明：在酸性硫酸盐土壤中全铁含量较低，一般在３５－５０ｇ／ｋｇ（以Ｆｅ２Ｏ３计），全锰含量也低，一般在０．２５－０．５５ｇ／ｋｇ（以ＭｎＯ计），一般滩涂中全铁大于６０ｇ／ｋｇ，全锰大于１ｇ／ｋｇ。酸性硫酸盐土壤中，铁的游离度较小，一般在３７－７０％，铁的活化度较大，一般在８－２０％，而滩涂中铁的游离度一般     

植稻年限对土壤铁锰氧化物的影响

以浙江不同耕作年限水田和旱地为研究对象,探讨了植稻年限对土壤铁锰氧化物的影响,并揭示了水稻土发育过程中铁锰氧化物的剖面运移规律和诊断意义。结果表明:①土壤剖面中,全Fe、游离Fe及全Mn的变异随着种稻时间的延长而增大。种植达到一定年限时,全Fe、全Mn以及游离Fe在土壤剖面下层出现淀积。在各种铁锰氧化物中,对水稻土最具诊断意义的是游离Fe和全Fe。②无定形Fe以及络合态Fe、Mn与有机质呈显著正相关。植稻年限对它们的影响是通过对有机质的影响达到的。     

Adsorption of cobalt by soil iron oxides at low solution concentration

Abstract

Eleven selected soils from Denmark and Tanzania were treated with ammonium acetate (controls), EDTA, and dithionite‐EDTA (DE) to fractionate iron and (manganese) oxides. The amounts of cobalt adsorbed were determined from a 3 μM equilibrium cobalt solution, corresponding to the cobalt level in natural soil solutions using sodium nitrate (0.2 M) to suppress non‐specific adsorption, by the extracted soils as well as by two synthetic iron oxides.

No significant correlations were found between cobalt adsorption and the contents of organic matter and extractable manganese, presumably due to their low contents in the soils investigated. Close correlations were, however, found between the amounts of cobalt adsorbed, especially fractions thereof, and the contents of iron oxides.

The amounts of cobalt adsorbed by the DE‐ex‐tracted soils, void of iron (and manganese) oxides, were attributed to the clay silicates. The remaining cobalt adsorption, i.e. the difference between cobalt adsorbed by acetate‐extracted and DE‐extracted samples, was attributed to the iron oxides. This portion of adsorbed cobalt was well described by considering soil iron oxides composed of only two fractions, an EDTA‐extractable fraction of high reactivity and a less reactive fraction corresponding to the difference between DE‐extractable iron and EDTA‐extractable iron.

The amounts of cobalt adsorbed by the soil iron oxides were well predicted from the contents and specific surface of the two iron oxide fractions in soil together with the amount of cobalt adsorbed by the synthetic iron oxides.     

Characteristics and genesis of nodules and concretions occurring in soils of the R. Chinit area,Kompong Thom Province,Cambodia

Morphological, chemical and mineralogical studies were made on different types of nodules and concretions occurring in Gleysols, Ferralsols and Vertisols of the R. Chinit area, Kompong Thorn Province, Cambodia.

The examinations indicated that nodules have developed through impregnation of soil matrix with iron and/or manganese oxides, whilceoncretions have formed through periodical precipitation of iron oxide around ferruginous or manganiferous nuclei to the exclusion of surrounding soil materials. Alternation of wet and dry seasons is believed to play an important part in the localization of iron and manganese into mottles and their subsequent hardening. The proportion of anhydrous iron oxides (hematite, maghemite) to hydrated iron oxide (goethite) appears to be closely related to the degree of desiccation of soils in dry seasons. Decomposition of kaolinite in the nodules and concretions was suggested by their lower kaolinite, and higher amorphous silica and alumina contents as compared to the surrounding soils. Mechanisms involved in the genesis of each of the types are further discussed.     

Spatial patterns and temporal changes of heavy metal distributions in river sediments in a region with multiple pollution sources

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal and regional variability of contamination by heavy metals (HMs) in river sediments using their enrichment factors (EFs) and benchmarking according to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The Zlin region in the Czech Republic (Morava and Drevnice River basins) represents a model area where several regionally specific ecological risk assessment studies have recently been conducted with a focus on organic pollution, eco-toxicity, geological, and geochemical characteristics.

Materials and methods

Four consecutive sediment sampling campaigns were undertaken in spring and autumn 2005–2006. Aqua-regia leachable content of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn in surface sediments from 14 sites was analyzed using ICP-MS, and Hg content was analyzed using AMA-254 analyzer. EFs were calculated to identify the human impact on pollution in the area. Comparisons to SGQs were conducted to identify the areas and HMs of greatest risk.

Results and discussion

Calculation of EFs contributed to the effective clustering of HMs. Median EFs of Co, Ni, and V ranged from 0.9 to 1.4 at all sites indicating concentrations very close to natural geological background levels. There was greater enrichment at locally polluted sites, the highest in the cases of Cd, Sb, Hg, and Cr. Widespread influence of diffuse HM sources (traffic, agriculture, and urban wastes) was apparent from elevated concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn at all sites. EF values also helped to identify the greatest temporal changes and shifts in HMs contamination between adjacent sites caused by 50-year recurrence interval floods in early spring 2006. The impact was most apparent in downstream sites; namely directly below the confluence of the two major rivers.

Conclusions

The overall contamination of HMs in the region was classified as low-to-moderate with significantly contaminated sub-areas. The study showed relatively stable spatial distributions of HMs, indicating potential sources of pollution. Cu was identified as the HM of greatest risk. The study emphasizes the necessity of considering both environmental circumstances and background HM occurrence to prevent misinterpretation of the pollution situation. The use of EFs which include grain size proxy normalization and HM background levels, along with the comparison of the detected concentrations to SQGs, proved an efficient way to identify hazardous contamination from anthropogenic sources.     

Source identification and assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils based on cluster analysis and multiple pollution indices

Purpose

To identify the sources and levels of contamination with anthropogenically derived heavy metals (HMs) for appropriate pollution control. We quantified anthropogenic influences with respect to HM pollution in soil, based on multiple pollution indices and cluster analysis derived from the results of an annual nationwide survey conducted in Korea.

Methods

Contamination levels of HMs in soils were quantitatively evaluated using multiple pollution indices: contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (I_geo), Nemerow’s integrated pollution index (NIPI), and pollution load index (PLI). Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to elucidate the correlations between HMs and contamination sources. A total of 2214 HM concentration data including six contamination sources were used to evaluate the pollution state of anthropogenic effects of HMs.

Results

The CFs for Zn and Cu revealed a broad enrichment of these HMs in all pollution sources. Scrap recycling sites (SRS) had the highest likelihood of pollutant distribution in soil surfaces. NIPI and PLI varied with the extent of anthropogenic activities or land use, especially in SRS, waste disposal sites (WDS), transport maintenance sites (TMS), and industrial sites (INS), and anthropogenic sources were divided into three discrete clusters: INS-TMS-LDS (land development sites), SRS-WDS, and vicinities of industrial sites (VIS).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that soil pollution indices combined with cluster analysis were useful to identify sources of anthropogenic HMs in urban soil, as well as to assess the levels of HM contamination.

     

由石灰性冲积物发育而来的排水不良和排水良好的土壤中游离氧化物的分布

A study on the distribution of free iron and manganese oxides was conducted in soils developed on calcareous alluvial deposits under subhumid climatic conditions, in Western Greece. Soil samples from two well drained soils and from two poorly drained soils, classified as Alfisols, were collected and used in this study. After certification of soil homogeneity the acid ammonium oxalate and dithionite-citrate-bicaxbonate methods were used to extract free iron and manganese oxides from the samples. Iron oxides extracted by the dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate method (Fed) were significantly higher than the iron oxides extracted by the ammonium oxalate method (Feo), indicating that a considerable fraction is present in crystalline forms, independent of drainage status. A confirmation of free iron oxides and fine clay was detected. The ratios Feo/Fed and (Fed-Feo)/total Fe (Fet) could not be used to distinguish the well drained soils from the poorly drained soils. Manganese movement in a soluble form is independent of the fine clay.     

不同高粱种质对污染土壤中重金属吸收的研究

利用重金属含量较高的污水污染土壤,以未污染土壤作对照,种植8个甜高粱品种、2个饲用高粱品种和1个粒用高粱品种,检测8种重金属在高粱植物体内不同器官的含量,以研究不同高粱种质对重金属的吸收特性。结果表明:甜高粱对汞(Hg)、镉(Cd)、锰(Mn)和锌(Zn)的吸收在两种土壤间差异显著,对钴(Co)、铬(Cr)、铅(Pb)和铜(Cu)的吸收差异不显著。Mn在甜高粱体内含量表现为未污染土壤高于污染土壤;而Zn含量在不同器官之间存在差异,未污染土壤叶中含量远高于穗,穗中含量远高于茎和根。不同重金属在甜高粱体内的储存部位不同,污染土壤上Hg、Cd、Co、Cr和Zn在根中积累量较高,Cu、Mn和Pb在穗中的积累量较高。甜高粱、饲用高粱和粒用高粱对重金属的吸收、运输及储存在品种之间差异较大,同一品种对不同重金属的吸收也存在差异。饲用高粱表现为叶部对Cr和Zn的储存量较高,而粒用高粱‘晋中0823’则显示了茎对多种重金属的储存能力。高粱根对土壤中重金属的富集系数较高,为0.02(Pb)~0.23(Cd),转移系数变幅为0.21(Co)~3.42(Pb)。对同一种重金属的吸收量品种间差异较大,甜高粱‘西蒙’根对Co、Cr、Cu、Mn、Pb和Zn具有高富集系数,粒用高粱‘晋中0823’茎对Hg、Cd、Mn、Pb和Zn富集系数较高。高粱对重金属的吸收能力与转移能力不同步,甜高粱‘绿能1号’具有对多种重金属的高转移能力,粒用高粱‘晋中0823’只对Zn有较高的转移能力。因此本文认为甜高粱对不同重金属的吸收和转移有选择性。对Zn吸收并转移到地上部后,首先储存在叶和穗中,当吸收量足够大时,茎和根也成为储存器官;对Mn的吸收与其他重金属的吸收存在竞争作用,Hg吸收后很少向地上部转移;而对Cu、Mn和Pb吸收后在穗部的储存量较大。饲用高粱与甜高粱相比对重金属的吸收未显示明显的不同,甜高粱‘西蒙’根对多种重金属具有强储存能力,而粒用高粱‘晋中0823’的茎秆显示了比甜高粱更强的储存能力,甜高粱‘绿能1号’对多种重金属的转移能力较强。所以,选择富集和转移能力均强的高粱品种能更有效地吸收土壤中的重金属,达到修复污染土壤的目的。     

Influence of iron oxides on cobalt adsorption by soils

Eleven soils from Denmark and Tanzania were extracted with ammonium acetate (controls), EDTA, and dithionite-EDTA (DE) to fractionate iron (and manganese) oxides. The amounts of cobalt adsorbed and acidity desorbed by the extracted soils as well as by two synthetic iron oxides were determined, using 0.85 mM cobalt in 0.2 m NaNO₃.
No significant correlations were found between cobalt adsorption and the contents of extractable manganese or organic matter, presumably because of their low contents. The major part of the cobalt adsorption (by DE-extracted samples) was due to the clay fraction and was associated with the release of approximately one proton per adsorbed Co. The remaining cobalt adsorption was attributed to the iron oxides. This portion of adsorbed cobalt was well described by considering soil iron oxides composed of only two fractions, an EDTA-extractable fraction of high reactivity and a less reactive fraction corresponding to the difference between DE-extractable iron and EDTA-extractable iron. Approximately 1.7 protons were released per Co adsorbed by these iron oxide fractions and by the synthetic iron oxides.
The amounts of cobalt adsorbed by the soil iron oxides were well predicted from the contents and specific surfaces of the two iron oxide fractions together with the specific cobalt adsorption of synthetic iron oxides.     

Distribution of iron and manganese oxides in Haploxeralfs and Rhodoxeralfs and their relation to the degree of soil development and soil colour

The status and the distribution of iron and manganese oxides were studied in six soil profiles from Thrace region (Greece), classified as Rhodoxeralfs and Haploxeralfs. The acid ammonium oxalate and the dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate methods were used to extract the free iron and manganese oxides from the soils. In both great groups the Fed and Mnd values are higher than Feo and Mno values, respectively, indicating that a considerable fraction is present in crystalline form. Both Feo/Fed and Fed-Feo values suggest that, in the study area, Haploxeralfs are less developed soils than Rhodoxeralfs. The manganese oxides present in crystalline forms (Mnd-Mno) were more in Rhodoxeralfs than in Haploxeralfs, suggesting that the crystallinity of manganese oxides increases, with the degree of soil development. Significant correlations were found of Redness Rating to Fed-Feo and to Feo/Fed ratio, positive and negative respectively, leading to the conclusion that soil red colouration increases with the degree of soil development.     

土壤中的氧化锰对酚类化合物的氧化降解作用

本文研究了砖红壤和红壤中的氧化锰对１０种有毒酚化合物的氧化降解作用及氧化锰与酚化合物之间的氧化还原动力学，结果表明，土壤中氧化锰对某些有毒酚化合物具有氧化降解作用，各种酚化合物氧化降解的难易与其本身性质和分子结构有关。土壤中的氧化锰的还原溶解和氢醌的卖化均符合一级反应动力学方程。介质ｐＨ的降低有利于反应的进行，两种土壤中的氧化锰不溶解反应对（Ｈ＾＋）的级数为０．１６，氢醌除与氧化锰发生氧化还原反应     

Kinetics of Iron and Manganese Release from Contaminated Calcareous Soils

Knowledge of the release of heavy metals (HM) and their chemical speciation is necessary for characterizing HM behavior in soils. The kinetics and characteristics of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) release were studied in 10 contaminated calcareous soils using 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 0.01 M ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 0.01 M malic acid (malic acid) extractions. Iron and Mn in soil samples were fractionated before and after 2084 h kinetic release using a sequential extraction procedure. The proportion of Fe and Mn released by EDTA was greater than that with CaCl₂ and malic acid. A power model satisfactorily described Fe and Mn release from soils. In general, the mean release rate of Fe was greater than that of Mn, indicating a greater rate of Fe release from contaminated soils. It was shown that Fe and Mn distributions were similar in native soils and they were mainly found in Fe-Mn oxides and organic-matter (OM) fractions. There were changes in the proportional distribution of Fe and Mn in all soils during the 2084 h kinetic study with different extraction solutions. In general, the proportions of Fe and Mn associated with carbonate (CARB) and OM fractions tended to decrease, with corresponding increases in the Fe-Mn oxides for Mn and residual (RES) fractions for Fe during the kinetic study with all extraction solutions. The Fe and Mn solubility at the initial and final stages of release was controlled by siderite (FeCO₃), vivianite [(Fe)₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O], MnCO₃(am), MnHPO₄, and rhodochrosite (MnCO₃) minerals in all extraction solutions. Based on a risk assessment and percentage of release of metals, there is a high potential for Mn release into the food chain from contaminated soils.     

Total soil heavy‐metal concentrations and mobile fractions after 10 years of biowaste‐compost fertilization

The accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in soils is the most often cited potential risk of compost application. As the ecological effects of metals are related to mobile fractions rather than to total concentrations in the soil, we measured the total (aqua regia–extractable) HM concentrations, the readily available water‐soluble and the potentially bioavailable LiCl‐extractable fraction of soil HMs in a field experiment after 10 y with total applications of 95, 175, and 255 t ha^–1 biowaste compost (fresh matter). Total soil concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in the compost treatments were not significantly higher than in the unfertilized control. Total Zn concentrations increased in the treatment with the highest application rate, as expected from the calculation of the Zn load in the composts. In the mobile fractions, as measured in soil saturation extract and LiCl extract, Cd and Pb were not detectable. Concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Zn were in the range published for unpolluted soils in other studies and did not show any differences according to treatment. Easily exchangeable Cu (in LiCl extract) was increased with compost fertilization, most probably due to complexation with low‐molecular organic complexants. Except for Cd and Zn, the results of the mobile HM fractions in the soil were in good agreement with plant HM concentrations. In conclusion, fertilization with high‐quality biowaste compost at such rates and after 10 y of application gives no cause for concern with regard to both total HM concentrations and available HM fractions.     

Evaluation of fly ash,apatite and rice straw derived-biochar in varying combinations for in situ remediation of soils contaminated with multiple heavy metals

ABSTRACT

In

-situ sorbent amendment is a relatively low-cost, low-impact approach for remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals (HMs), and thus is considered a way to be favored in developing countries. In this study, materials of non-hazardous, alkaline agronomic and industrial by-products were used as sorbents to explore their capacity of in situ immobilization of multiple HMs in mining-impacted arable soil. These sorbents included fly ash (FA), biochar (BC) and apatite (AP) and they were implemented with varying ratios of combinations. Results of soil microcosm tests showed that after incubation for 90 days, concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cd in their exchangeable forms determined by a sequential extraction method significantly decreased in amended soils, as opposed to the unamended control. Of the five sets of amendments, the composite of FA, BC, and AP resulted in the maximum reduction (up to 80%) in the mobility of Pb, Zn, and Cd in soils. The mechanisms underlying the immobilization of HMs in amended soils might involve processes of surface precipitation, ion exchange and complexation, in which the physicochemical properties of sorbent materials played an important role. The immobilization efficacy of sorbent amendments on HMs in soil was further supported by pot experiments in which significant inhibition of HM accumulation in the belowground and aboveground tissues of maize was observed after 50-day cultivation in amended soils as compared with control soil. Together, these results suggest that the application of cost-saving and environmentally friendly materials derived from wastes as sorbents to remediate soils contaminated with multiple HMs is promising for developing countries like Vietnam.