Identification of processes and migration parameters for conservative and reactive contaminants in the soil-water environment

Abstract

This study was performed to determine parameters of contaminant migration in the soil-water environment. The flow tests were conducted in Trautwein apparatus in conditions of constant head and full saturation. Based on the results of the dynamic studies, the parameters of the advective-dispersion equation of pollutant transport were determined. Results of presented study revealed that the advection dominates during the chloride transport through sandy soil. Ammonium and nitrate ions transport in loam is mainly influenced by diffusion. Obtained values of retardation factors indicate that sorption of ammonium and nitrate ions onto sand can be classified as small. Nitrate ions are adsorbed onto loam with average intensity. For identification of sorption parameters, the “batch” experiment was performed. The interpretation of the sorption phenomena was carried out using Henry, Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherms.