Retention of Zinc, Cadmium, Copper, and Lead by Geologic Materials

Gibb, James P.; Cartwright, Keros

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/35246 Copy

Description

Title

Retention of Zinc, Cadmium, Copper, and Lead by Geologic Materials

Author(s)

• Gibb, James P.
• Cartwright, Keros

Issue Date

1982

Keyword(s)

• elemental migration patterns
• shallow aquifer systems
• wells

Abstract

The vertical and horizontal migration patterns of zinc, cadmium, copper and lead through the soil and shallow aquifer systems at two secondary zinc smelters were defined by use of soil coring and monitoring well techniques. The vertical migration of the same elements at a third zinc smelter also was defined. The migration of metals at the three smelters has been limited by attenuation processes to relatively shallow depths in the soil profile. Cation exchange and precipitation of insoluble metal compounds, resulting from pH changes in the infiltrating movement of the metals through the soil. Increased metal contents in the shallow groundwater systems have been confined to the immediate plant sites. Soil coring was found to be an effective investigative tool but was not suitable by itself for routine monitoring of waste disposal activities. It should be used to gather preliminary information to aid in determining the proper horizontal and vertical locations for monitoring wells. The analyses of water samples collected in this project generally did not yield a stable reproducible pattern of results. This indicates the need to develop techniques to obtain representative water samples. The failure of some well seals in a highly polluted environment also indicates the need for additional research into monitoring well construction.

Publisher

Illinois State Water Survey and the Illinois State Geological Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Cooperative Resources Report 09

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/35246

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