Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4425261 Environmental Pollution 2011 12 Pages PDF
Abstract

To assess transport and ecotoxicological risks of metals, such as cadmium (Cd) in soils, models are needed for partitioning and speciation. We derived regression-based “partition-relations” based on adsorption and desorption experiments for main Australian soil types. First, batch adsorption experiments were carried out over a realistic range of dissolved Cd concentrations in agricultural soils in Australia. Results showed linear sorption relationships, implying the adequacy of using Kd values to describe partitioning. Desorption measurements were then carried out to assess in-situ Kd values and relate these to soil properties The best transfer functions for solid–solution partitioning were found for Kd values relating total dissolved Cd concentration to total soil Cd concentrations, accounting for the variation in pH, SOM contents and DOC concentrations. Model predictions compared well with measurements of an independent data set, but there was a tendency to underestimate dissolved Cd concentrations of highly polluted soils.

► Adsorption experiments showed linear sorption relationships for Cd in Australian soils. ► Adsorption constants were strongly related to pH, SOM contents and DOC concentrations. ► Model predictions were comparable with measurements of an independent data set. ► Dissolved Cd concentrations of highly polluted soils tended to be underestimated.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Environmental Science Environmental Chemistry
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