CADMIUM SOIL SORPTION AT LOW CONCENTRATIONS .4. EFFECT OF WASTE LEACHATES ON DISTRIBUTION COEFFICIENTS

Disposal of wastes such as municipal compost, waste incinerator slag and sewage sludge is locally a significant source of Cd application to land. In evaluation of the environmental impact of the waste disposal, estimation of the vertical Cd migration rate is a significant aspect. Since the waste leachate concentrations of Cd usually are far above normal soil solute and groundwater concentration, as well as set drinking water standards the Cd migration rate in soil and groundwater aquifers is the critical factor. A high migration rate of Cd may constitute a groundwater pollution problem, while a low migration rate may result in accumulation of Cd in the top soil and hence affect the terrestrial biota. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of pertinent waste leachates on the Cd distribution between soil and solute. Refs.