Iron Nanoparticles Derived from Olive Mill Wastewater for Sustainable Soil Remediation

TL;DR

This paper explores using iron nanoparticles from olive mill wastewater to clean up contaminated soil, showing promising results for sustainability and effectiveness.

Contribution

The study is the first to evaluate iron nanoparticles derived from olive mill wastewater for soil remediation.

Findings

Iron nanoparticles from olive mill wastewater reduced soil acidity and enhanced bioremediation of TCPP.

NH nanoparticles were most effective in improving soil fertility and immobilizing certain metals.

Low doses of NA and NH nanoparticles reduced soil phytotoxicity and improved germination indices.

Abstract

There is an urgent need to develop sustainable approaches for the remediation of contaminated soil as well as to promote sustainable practices for waste management. Here, we provide the first evaluation of the performance of two types of iron nanoparticles (NA and NH) obtained from olive mill wastewater for the remediation of an acidic multi-contaminated soil, including metal(loid)s, PCBs, and a flame retardant (TCPP). Their efficiency was then compared against that of a commercial nanoscale zero-valent iron (NS) through a one-month microcosm experiment employing two doses of each nanomaterial. The impact of the treatments on key soil physicochemical properties, metal(loid) availability, PCB and TCPP concentrations, and soil phytotoxicity was assessed. All treatments reduced soil acidity. Regarding organic contaminants, bioremediation of TCPP was enhanced by all nanomaterials, particularly NH, whereas NA was the only treatment that significantly reduced PCB concentration under the tested conditions. NS achieved the highest rates of metal(loid) immobilization (63–100%); NH was most beneficial for soil fertility and immobilized As, Ni, and Pb (100, 38, and 53%, respectively), whereas NA was only effective for Pb (21–49%). The low dose of both NA and NH improved the germination index (66 and 61%, respectively), reducing soil phytotoxicity. These results highlight the potential of valorizing olive mill wastewater for soil remediation, thereby contributing to the principles of the Circular Economy.

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