Cr(VI) transport in typical soils of the North of Portugal

Abstract

[Excerpt] Heavy metals are being added to the environment by atmospheric deposition and by fertilizers, sludge and sewage sludge application to the soil. The fate and movement of these contaminants depend on the physical and chemical properties of the solid and liquid phases that are in contact with each other. Generally, batch experiments are used to obtain equilibrium adsorption isotherms and to evaluate the soil sorption capacity of any given contaminant in an aqueous phase. However, in addition to adsorption, advection and dispersion may occur in dynamic systems justifying the need of flow experiments. Due to its mobility in the environment, its harmful effects on humans and its large usage among Portuguese industry, the behaviour and transport of hexavalent chromium, at different pH values of the aqueous solution, have been the aim of this study. [...]