Photochemical Detoxification of Arsenic- and Mercury-Contaminated Soils: Geochemical Mechanisms and Pathways

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 06 10
    By

    Sunakbaeva Dilara,

  • S. Ravichandran,

  1. Head of Faculty, Department of Ecology and Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan, Kazakhstan
  2. Professor in Chemistry, Tagore Institute of Engineering and Technology, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study evaluates the geochemical aspects of soil detoxification in areas contaminated with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg), emphasizing sustainable strategies for improving soil health and ensuring safe crop production. The research provides an ecological and toxicological assessment of regional soils and classifies them base on the concentration and mobility of toxic elements. Although the current levels of As and Hg do not yet present a critical risk to agricultural productivity, the steady increase in heavy metal accumulation due to industrial and agricultural activities necessitates effective remediation measures. To address this issue, a geochemical barrier composed of recycled poultry manure, marble chips (CaCO₃), and calcium peroxide (CaO₂) was designed and tested. The composite system functions as a multifunctional sorbent that stabilizes soil pH, enhances aeration, and reduces the bioavailability of heavy metals. Adsorption isotherm experiments demonstrated that mercury sorption capacity increased with higher CaO₂ content, while arsenic removal was strongly dependent on pH, reflecting distinct mechanisms of metal–sorbent interaction. The experimental results confirm that the proposed barrier effectively immobilizes toxic elements and transforms them into less mobile forms, contributing to soil detoxification and ecological restoration. The approach offers an environmentally friendly and economically viable solution for improving soil quality in contaminated regions. Overall, this study supports the integration of geochemical barrier technologies into sustainable land management and agricultural practices.

Keywords: Arsenic, bioavailability, calcium peroxide, mercury, soil

[This article belongs to International Journal of Photochemistry and Photochemical Research ]

How to cite this article:
Sunakbaeva Dilara, S. Ravichandran. Photochemical Detoxification of Arsenic- and Mercury-Contaminated Soils: Geochemical Mechanisms and Pathways. International Journal of Photochemistry and Photochemical Research. 2026; 04(01):06-10.
How to cite this URL:
Sunakbaeva Dilara, S. Ravichandran. Photochemical Detoxification of Arsenic- and Mercury-Contaminated Soils: Geochemical Mechanisms and Pathways. International Journal of Photochemistry and Photochemical Research. 2026; 04(01):06-10. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijppr/article=2026/view=247638


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 14/04/2026
Accepted 19/04/2026
Published 30/04/2026
Publication Time 16 Days
14

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