| Abstract: | Arsenic (As) sorptivity and acetate (pH 4.8) and oxalate (pH 3.0) extractable iron levels were monitored for 180 d, during and after flooding of two As contaminated soils. The effects of three different organic matter supplements/amendments, for example farm yard manure (FYM), municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) and sewage-sludge (SS) on the above parameter were also examined. In nonflooded soils, As sorptivity was mainly influenced by clay content. On flooding, there were large increases in acetate, oxalate extractable iron and As sorptivity. Organic matter addition increased the same parameters. Among the organic matters, SS showed greater effect on As sorption followed by MSWC and FYM. During flooding, As sorption is mainly dependent upon poorly crystalline iron oxide. During oxidation of previously flooded soils, levels of As sorptivity, acetate and oxalate extractable iron decreased rapidly, but did not return to the levels occurring before reduction. SS and MSWC served as binding agents for native and irrigation water As, thereby moderating the rapid As mobilization to the crop rizosphere. |
