Prediction of Soil Heavy Metal Immobilization by Biochar Using Machine Learning

Kumuduni N. Palansooriya, Jie Li, Pavani D. Dissanayake, Manu Suvarna, Lanyu Li, Xiangzhou Yuan, Binoy Sarkar, Daniel C.W. Tsang, Jörg Rinklebe, Xiaonan Wang, Yong Sik Ok

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

256 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Biochar application is a promising strategy for the remediation of contaminated soil, while ensuring sustainable waste management. Biochar remediation of heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil primarily depends on the properties of the soil, biochar, and HM. The optimum conditions for HM immobilization in biochar-amended soils are site-specific and vary among studies. Therefore, a generalized approach to predict HM immobilization efficiency in biochar-amended soils is required. This study employs machine learning (ML) approaches to predict the HM immobilization efficiency of biochar in biochar-amended soils. The nitrogen content in the biochar (0.3-25.9%) and biochar application rate (0.5-10%) were the two most significant features affecting HM immobilization. Causal analysis showed that the empirical categories for HM immobilization efficiency, in the order of importance, were biochar properties > experimental conditions > soil properties > HM properties. Therefore, this study presents new insights into the effects of biochar properties and soil properties on HM immobilization. This approach can help determine the optimum conditions for enhanced HM immobilization in biochar-amended soils.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4187-4198
Number of pages12
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume56
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Apr 2022

Keywords

  • biochar
  • graphical user interface
  • heavy metal
  • machine learning models
  • soil remediation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry

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