Effects of nano-Fe3O4-modified biochar on iron plaque formation and Cd accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Nano-Fe3O4-modified biochar (BC–Fe) was prepared by the coprecipitation of nano-Fe3O4 on a rice husk biochar surface. The effects of BC-Fe on cadmium (Cd) bioavailability in soil and on Cd accumulation and translocation in rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ‘H You 518’) were investigated in a pot experiment with 7 application rates (0.05–1.6%, w/w). BC-Fe increased the biomass of the rice plants except for the roots and affected the concentration and accumulation of Cd and Fe in the plants. The Cd concentrations of brown rice were significantly decreased by 48.9%, 35.6%, and 46.5% by the 0.05%, 0.2%, and 0.4% BC-Fe treatments, respectively. Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) increased by 9.4%–164.1% in response to the application of BC-Fe (0.05–1.6%), while the soil Cd availability decreased by 6.81%–25.0%. However, 0.8–1.6% BC-Fe treatments promoted Cd transport to leaves, which could increase the risk of Cd accumulation in brown rice. Furthermore, BC-Fe application promoted the formation of iron plaque and enhanced the root interception of Cd. The formation of iron plaque reduced the toxicity of Cd to rice roots, but this barrier effect was limited and had an interval threshold (DCB-Fe: 22.5–27.3 g·kg−1) under BC-Fe treatments. [Display omitted] •BC-Fe treatments promoted iron plaque formation and DCB-Fe concentration in roots.•BC-Fe treatments increased soil CEC and reduced Cd availability by 6.81%–25.0%.•The additive BC-Fe (0.2–0.4%) effectively reduced Cd accumulation in rice.•Barrier effect of iron plaque on Cd had an interval threshold with BC-Fe application.