Influence of additives on the retention of metal ions in a soil of Bangalore, India

Abstract

Liners play an important role in minimizing migration of contaminants and are frequently constructed with natural materials serving as the primary barrier to contain chemicals and potentially harmful pollutants from municipal toxic waste leachates. To improve the performance of liners, additives like lime and cement at low percentages were added to Red Soil of Bangalore. Heavy metals like hexavalent chromium, copper and zinc and alkali metals like sodium and potassium were taken as contaminants. Batch leaching tests on 50 samples were performed according to ASTM D 3987 – 85 for soil and soil mixtures with contaminants. The heavy metals were potentiometrically monitored using ion selective mercury and platinum electrodes. The alkali metals were determined using a Flame Photometry. It has been observed that the retention of heavy metals elements followed the order copper> zinc>chromium over a period of 7 to 28 days. Chromium, zinc and copper attained equilibrium in this period as confirmed based on conductivity and pH data. Cement and lime had significant effect on copper and zinc. Specific adsorption of Cu onto CaCO3 surfaces may control Cu concentration in solution. Zn adsorption increases with pH; Zinc hydrolysed at pH > 7.7 and these hydrolyzed species are strongly adsorbed to soil surfaces. Cr was retained only by 50% and additives did not have much effect as it is subjected to nonspecific adsorption (temporary). Cr was found to be highly mobile in alkaline soils. It was observed that the retention of alkali metals follows the order: K > Na. Cement and lime had positive effect on the retention of Na and K. Sodium ion retarded immediately due to the removal of exchangeable cations, whereas potassium retarded more than sodium due to the lower hydrated radius of potassium. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) characterization tests were performed to understand the soil mineral structure. Regular porous, sponge like, particles were detected in virgin soil containing crystals possibly of alumino sicilicate. Energy Dispersive Spectroscope (EDS) analysis indicated the presence of Si, Al, Ca, Ti, Fe, K, and Na. These results indicate the possibility of using Red Soil as an adsorbent.