Biochar and soil properties limit the phytoavailability of lead and cadmium by Brassica chinensis L. in contaminated soils

Abstract The current study investigated the effect of biochars derived from cinnamomum woodchip, garden waste and mulberry woodchip on soil phytoavailable lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) pools, their uptake by Chinese cabbage ( Brassica chinensis L.). were produced at 450 °C pyrolysis temperature. contaminated soils collected Yunfu (classified as Udept), Jiyuan (Ustalf) Shaoguan (Udult) cities in China depth 0–20 cm amended with rate 3% w/w. After mixing biochar for 14 days, was planted soils. Then, it harvested 48th day after sowing period. In Udult soil, died 18 days period control biochars. Although only plants grown treatment survived amendment or w/w (450 °C) to significantly increased (4.95–6.25) pH compared other treatments. Udept Ustalf soils, application improved plant biomass control, albeit dependent both properties. Garden decreased Cd concentration 26% while a decrease 16% 9% observed respectively. available phosphorus important factors controlling toxic metal phytouptake plant. Thus, can effectively reduce mobility Pb uptake. However, properties should be well-known before being used immobilization.