Phytoextraction of heavy metals is a promising green technology by which metals are extracted from contaminated soils and transferred to plant shoots. Natural organic acids are an alternative to synthetic chelates since the environmental risks are lower thanks to their biodegradability. The study aimed at evaluating the performance of single and split applications of citric acid on enhancing Pb extraction by maize plants (Zea mays) grown in soil samples from an area contaminated with Pb from battery wastes. The citric acid was applied at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmol kg-1, either in a single dose on the30th day of growth or split in two, on the 30th and 34th day. Soil samples were subjected to chemical extraction by CaCl2 and fractionation. Results showed that splitting the citric acid doses did not improve the effectiveness of phytoextraction. A single application is therefore more suitable for Pb accumulation in plants. Enhanced phytoextraction using citric acid is feasible in a relatively short term and with no secondary problems due to Pb leaching. Citric acid amendment mobilized Pb from the least soluble fractions (bound to organic matter and iron oxides) into the exchangeable form. The distribution pattern of Pb in soil fractions treated with citric acid followed the order: exchangeable > organic matter > crystalline iron oxide > amorphous iron oxide.
phytoremediation; organic acids; synthetic chelates; soil contamination
