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Fluoride Solubility in Dust Emission from an Aluminum Smelter
Author(s) -
Arnesen A. K. M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1997.00472425002600060016x
Subject(s) - leaching (pedology) , sorption , solubility , chemistry , environmental chemistry , humus , fluoride , soil water , leachate , aluminium , mineral dust , aerosol , inorganic chemistry , soil science , environmental science , adsorption , organic chemistry
Fluorides are emitted to the atmosphere as hydrogenfluoride (HF) gas and in particle forms from the production of aluminum (Al). The solubilities of fluoride (F) and Al in particle emission from an aluminum smelter were studied in relation to pH and dust/water ratio. A soil column experiment was performed to study the retention of dust‐components in soil and the effect on chemistry of soil leachate. The solubility of F in the dust decreased when pH in water was increased from 2 to 6.5. From pH 6.5 to 9, the solubility was almost constant. The solubility of Al decreased with increased pH up to pH about 7.5. The amounts of water‐soluble F increased from about 3.5% of the dust with dust/water ratio 1:100 to about 5.8% with dust/water ratio 1:10 000. The corresponding results for Al were 1.3 and 2% of the dust. Relatively high leaching of F occurred from columns with quartz‐sand. High leaching occurred from humus. A podzolic Bs‐horizon retained almost all of the added F. Leaching of Al and organic material were significantly elevated by the highest dust input in all the columns. Leaching of Na was elevated by the dust‐input, but differed less between the columns. Dust particles deposited will to a great extent solubilize and react with the soil. The retention of F and Al in the soil depends on soil type, with little sorption in organic soil and strong sorption in mineral horizons with Al‐oxides/hydroxides.