Abstract

• This research work deals with the removal of heavy metals and biofertilization activity of contaminated soils by using biochar (biomass): two organic residues rice husks from husker and bamboo leaves. These contaminated soil samples were collected from the Pagaye mining site Sc(I), Pagaye village Sc(II) and Battery service area from Weigyun Sc(III), Dawei Township. The three contaminated soil samples and biochar (rice husks and bamboo leaves) were treated under a close atmosphere using plastic housing. Soils were incubated at 27 C for three months. Physiochemical properties (moisture, pH, texture, organic carbon, humus) of contaminated soils and treated soils were determined and major nutrients contents (total N, available P and available K), exchangeable cations (K+ , Ca2+ and Mg2+) were studied by using instrumental and analytical methods. Generally, it was found that moisture, pH, organic carbon and humus were improved in treated soils and nutrients and exchangeable cations: K+ and Ca2+ were also improved. Elemental compositions and heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in these soils were also determined with different interval of times by EDXRF and AAS methods. Both biochars removed the toxic metals Pb and Cd in all the contaminated soil samples. In addition, the comparison of the soil fertility on the contaminated and treated soils was carried out within one month. The soil fertility was also improved in the treated soil samples.