Stimulation of oxalate root exudate in arsenic speciation and fluctuation with phosphate and iron in anoxic mangrove sediment

Mutual transformations of rhizospheric arsenic (As) in pollution-prone mangrove sediments affected by root exudate oxalate were simulated. This study focuses on the effect of oxalate on As release, mobilization, and phase speciation associated with P and Fe was examined under anoxic conditions in time-dependent changes. Results showed that oxalate addition significantly facilitated As–Fe–P release from As-contaminated mangrove sediments. Sediment As formed the adsorptive and the carbonate-binding fractionations, facilitating the re-adsorption processes. Solution As and As5+ correlated with NaOH–P positively but with NaHCO3–P and HCl–P negatively. Dominant Fe3+ (>84 %) from the amorphous Fe regulated suspension changes and then time-dependent co-precipitation with As and P. Sediment P formed strong complexes with Fe oxides and could be substituted for As via STEM analysis. Oxalate ligand exchange, competitive adsorption of oxalate, and Fe-reduced dissolution are confirmed to involve, allowing for an insight As/P/Fe mobilization and fate in mangrove wetland. [Display omitted] •The effect of common root exudate oxalate on As release, mobilization and phase fractionation was explored.•The mechanisms involved in the oxalate-enhanced release of As were dominated by Fe oxide/hydroxide co-precipitation.•The dynamics of rhizospheric interfaces were oxalate ligand exchange, competitive adsorption and P/Fe-reduced dissolution.•The P formed strong complexes with Fe oxides and could be substituted for As via STEM analysis.•Results outlined concerns on the potential risk of mobilization of arsenic in the mangrove rhizospheric sediments.