Effect of chemical additives on availability of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Zn) of soil

Abstract

Availability of the heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Zn) has been studied by the use of different additives on the soil of industrial areas of Amol. Collected soil samples, by complete mixed, were dried in oven, and after grinding they were passed through a polyethylene sieve with 2 mm diameter holes. Extraction process of heavy metals from soil has done by distilled water, calcium chloride, potassium nitrate, ammonium citrate and EDTA at different concentrations. The heavy metals have been measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn in the soils were determined as 50±12.5, 127±16.13510 and 3000±180 mic/gr respectively. Best concentration and extraction conditions for the heavy metals determined. Application of chemical additives such as EDTA and ammonium citrate plays an important role in dissolution of heavy metals and thus in increasing their availability in soil. © 2013 Asian Journal of Chemistry.