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EFFECT OF VEGETATION ON THE TRANSPORT OF HEAVY METAL IN A CONTAMINATED SOIL

S.R. Burckhard¹, A.P. Schwab², and M.K. Banks³, ¹Department of Civil Engineering, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, ²Department of Agronomy and ³Department of Civil Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506

Vegetation of heavy metal-contaminated soils is recommended to prevent the spread of contamination by wind or water action. The introduction of vegetation to these sites may provide various pathways for the transport of heavy metals by root exudates, adsorption/desorption processes, precipitation/dissolution reactions, and facilitated transport.

Previous research suggested several of these mechanisms may be responsible for the transport of heavy metals within a vegetated-contaminated soil system. A column study, designed to simulate field conditions, was undertaken to quantify the effect vegetation has on the transport of heavy metals within a contaminated soil system.

The transport of lead, barium, cadmium, and zinc was studied as a function of plant growth and transient water conditions. Chemical and physical changes in the soil system were monitored and compared to plant growth and water content data. Information obtained from this study will be useful in predicting transport of heavy metal from contaminated soils upon the introduction of vegetation.

Key words: vegetation, mining wastes, heavy metals, transport.

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Tuesday, May 20, 1997

Metals Kansa A

Remediation of Munitions Compounds Kansa B

Analytical Methods Kansa C/D

General Topics Kansa B

Wednesday, May 21, 1997

Metals Kansa A

Zero-Valent Metals Kansa A

Remediation Kansa A

Vegetation-based Remediation Kansa B

Partnerships & Innovative Technologies Kansa C/D

Nonaqueous Phase Liquids Kansa C/D

Thursday, May 22, 1997

Biofilms & Barriers Kansa A

Bioremediation Kansa B

Partnerships & Technology Innovations Kansa C/D

Remediation Kansa C/D

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