Effect of agricultural fertilizers on arsenic leaching from sediment under aerobic conditions

Abstract

In this study, effect of commonly used agricultural fertilizers is examined on arsenic leaching from sediment under aerobic conditions. The arsenic in leachates was gradually increased with increasing triple superphosphate (TSP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), urea, and muriate of potash (MOP) in suspension. Compared to DAP; TSP leached more arsenic from the sediment. The arsenic extraction capacity of agricultural fertilizers followed TSP > DAP > urea > MOP. Not only TSP but also other agricultural fertilizers enhance leaching of arsenic from contaminated sediments. Application of compost fertilizer with TSP and DAP could immobilize arsenic leaching from contaminated sediment of agricultural fertilizers.