Impact of a phosphate compound on plant metal uptake when low molecular weight organic acids are present in artificially contaminated soils

•P, LMWOAs, and their combinations reduced Cd, Pb, and Zn levels in plant's shoots.•P-TA2 immobilized Cd, Pb, and Zn in soil at 48 %, 80 %, and 58 %, respectively.•P immobilized metals mainly through sorption and precipitation.•P-TA2 immobilized metals mainly through electrostatic attraction.•P-TA2 was the best in immobilizing and inhibiting metals in soil for plant uptake.