Application of biochar in estrogen hormone-contaminated and manure-affected soils: Impact on soil respiration, microbial community and enzyme activity

Biochar as a soil amendment has been proposed for enhancing carbon sequestration and manure-borne hormone contaminant remediation. However, little is known about the ecological risk of biochar application in with contamination. This study investigated influence three manure-impacted soils contaminated estrogen hormones, natural 17β-estradiol synthesized 17α-ethinylestradiol microcosm experiment. Specifically, microbial respiration was periodically determined during incubation while community phospholipid fatty acids activities nutrient (C, N, P, S) cycling related enzymes (β-glucosidase, urease, phosphodiesterase, arylsulfatase) were characterized after incubation. Results showed that high SOC generally had greater total biomass, ratios fungi/bacteria Gram-positive bacteria/Gram-negative bacteria, phosphodiesterase activity, but lower urease activity. Additionally, hormones stimulated impact on activity enzymes. On other hand, negative priming effect by significantly decreasing biomass 8.7%–26.4%, CO2 production 16.6%–33.5%, glucosidase 27.1%–41.0% soils. increased no arylsulfatase, decreased urease. Overall, suggests when used remediation manure-impact soils, could improve may decrease