Simulation study on copper and zinc release from contaminated sandy soils due to acidification

Abstract

Afforestation in sandy soils can cause soil acidification and affect Cu and Zn release. The behaviors of Cu and Zn release from contaminated arable sandy soils were investigated in the laboratory with the methods of simulated acidification of the soils. The results showed that soil acidification could change chemical forms of Cu and Zn in the soils, impel the transformation of Cu and Zn from carbonate associated fractions to exchangeable, organic matter and oxides associated fractions, and thus increase the release potential of Cu and Zn in the soils. The effect of the acidification on Zn leaching was more significant than that of Cu. Water solubility of Cu and Zn in the soils was increased with decreasing pH, and the solubility of Cu and Zn was increased exponentially at pH 3.8–4.5, and 6.2–6.5, respectively.

Keywords

Copper / Zinc / Contaminated sandy soil / Acidification / Afforestation / S154.4 / A

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