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Trace Metal and Cation Transport in a Sandy Soil with Various Amendments
Author(s) -
Zhu B.,
Alva A. K.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1993.03615995005700030016x
Subject(s) - leachate , chemistry , gypsum , environmental chemistry , leaching (pedology) , soil water , dissolved organic carbon , cation exchange capacity , trace metal , metal , soil science , environmental science , geology , paleontology , organic chemistry
Cation interactions are important in retention and transport of trace metals and major cations in soils. This study was conducted to determine the effects of either gypsum, MgSO 4 , or K 2 SO 4 on transport of Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg from a slightly alkaline sandy soil (top 15‐cm layer) using leaching columns. Concentrations of the above elements were measured in seven leachate fractions, each representing 0.64 pore volume. The concentrations of Cu and Zn in the leachate were greater in the K 2 SO 4 ‐ amended than the unamended soil. Gypsum or MgSO 4 amendments significantly decreased the recovery of Cu and Zn in the leachate, compared with that from the unamended soil; however, transport of Mg was increased in the gypsum‐amended soil as a result of cation exchange. The concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was highest in the K 2 SO 4 ‐amended soil followed by the unamended soil and the MgSO 4 ‐ and gypsum‐amended soils. A positive correlation ( r 2 = 0.77) was found between the concentrations of Cu or Zn in the leachate fractions and that of DOC. Since Cu and Zn form complexes with organic ligands in soil solution, a decrease in transport of DOC from gypsum‐amended soil appears to be responsible for the decreased transport of trace metals.