Electromagnetic treatment to reduce arsenic mobility and toxicity in Oryza sativa (rice) with implications to improve yield in rice-paddy fields

Arsenic (As) contamination in rice paddies is a fundamental problem that can reduce crop yield, affect human health, and compromise food security. Moreover, rice paddies emit 30% of the methane produced by the agricultural sector. Aerating water during the growing season can mitigate As toxicity and uptake by rice, and reduce methane emissions; however, current methods are energy-intensive, and require costly equipment. E M Fluids has developed a budget-friendly, solar-powered, electro-magnetic (EM) treatment device that enhances oxygenation of water. This can increase redox and pH in saturated soil which, in turn, affect As speciation and mobility. We will use microcosms to study the effect of EM treatment. We will measure the flux of As from contaminated soil to water, and speciation of As (arsenite and arsenate) in pore water and overlying water under reference conditions and under EM treatment. The rhizosphere of rice plants may also affect speciation and mobility of As, and we will include planted and unplanted microcosms in the study (2 x 2 factorial design). This technology could provide a low-cost and clean-energy solution to the problem of As toxicity to rice, and could reduce risk of dietary exposure to As through rice.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Laursen;Lynda McCarthy;Vadim Bostan

Student:

Partner:

E M Fluids Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: