Changes in soil pH and mobility of heavy metals in contaminated soils

• DOI: 10.1111/ejss.13203
• Publication Date: 2021-12-07T05:35:44Z
• Authors: Alicja Kicińska; Radosław Pomykała; Miguel Izquierdo‐...
• Keywords: Aqua regia; Soil acidification; Cation-exchange capacity

Abstract In the present paper, authors attempt to explain importance of pH in soil environment studies and show what mistakes avoid when measuring interpreting results obtained. The tests conducted (i.e., extraction aqua regia , buffer capacity determination, impact acidification on amount heavy metals extracted from soils) demonstrated how pollution affect pace extracting cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) zinc (Zn) cations heavily polluted unpolluted soils following gradual acidification. It was shown that caused a significant increase metal mobility order Cd > Zn Pb highest decrease observed after adding first portion acid. Further addition acid gradually lower pH. Soils area presented high capacity. control samples displayed distinctly poorer resistance changes environment. Special focus placed due its soils, even with neutral slightly alkaline analyses revealed areas by long‐term industrial activity ( I geo 5 for Zn, Cd), it is very important conduct extensive geochemical related presence circulation particularly toxic elements. This because every environmental factor, especially pH, may significantly their mobility, causing ions become more or less active increasing decreasing risk presence. Highlights Soil order: Pb. A special needs be (up 70% total concentration), higher buffering would percentage bioavailable pollutants an acidity.