Desferrioxamine-B promoted dissolution of an Oxisol and the effect of low-molecular-weight organic acids

This study was conducted to quantify the adsorption of desferrioxamine-B (DFO-B), a commercial trihydroxamate siderophore, onto an Oxisol and particularly examine the DFO-B-promoted soil dissolution in the presence of two small organic acids (citric and oxalic acids). Adsorption of DFO-B to Oxisol was rapid, and the adsorption isotherms yielded maximum surface concentrations of 9.59 μmol g−1 at pH 5.0, much lower than the soil cation exchange capacity. After reaching the maximum concentration within several minutes, the DFO-B adsorption to the soil subsequently decreased and attained a steady state, followed by a slight increase at the end of the reaction. Release of Fe, Mn, and Al from the soil was greatly enhanced in the presence of DFO-B. No competitive or synergic effect between the DFO-B and citric or oxalic acids was found on dissolution of Al- or Fe-containing minerals. However, a synergic effect between DFO-B and citric acid on dissolution of Mn-containing minerals was found, and a slight competitive effect of oxalic acid on release of Mn promoted by DFO-B was observed. These results can enhance our understanding on the role of siderophores in soils dissolution and weathering as well as the release of nutrient elements in the presence of low-molecular-weight organic acids.