Removal of nickel from paddy soil by electrokinetic reclamation process, a case study of Silakhor plain (Lorestan)

Application of chemical fertilizers in agricultural industry is known as one of the methods of crop enhancement. However, chemical fertilizers application can lead to an increased risk of chemical pollutants entering the human food cycle.  The aim of current research was feasibility study and evaluation of nickel from paddy soils in Lorestan province.

Sampling was done from 15 stations and randomly from rice cultivation areas in Silakhor plain of Lorestan province. Then, electrokinetic modification method was carried out in three reactors with lengths of 5, 10 and 15cm. After sample preparation, the initial and final concentration of nickel were measured and calculated using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

The results showed that electrokinetic modification method was effective in reducing the concentration of heavy metals in agricultural soil samples and reduced the amount of nickel in soil to the permissible limits of the Iranian soil national standards (50 mg/kg). The initial values of nickel in paddy soil of composite samples were 108 mg/kg. Nickel maximum removal efficiency of 90.84% and 93.75% were observed in cathode and anode regions, respectively.

The health and quality of agricultural products depend on the use of safe soil within the limits of environmental standards. The results of this study showed that the EKR process is able to remove nickel from soil. As a result of the present process, nickel concentration has reached the permissible amount and even lower than the soil quality standard set by the Iranian Environmental Protection Agency.