A comparative study of the most effective amendment for Pb, Zn and Cd immobilization in contaminated soils

The problem of an extensive contamination of soils with metals can be resolved using an in situ chemical immobilization technology. Five substances (natural zeolite, bog iron ore, "Polifoska 15" fertilizer, triple superphosphate, diammonium phosphate) were tested to determine their efficiency to immobilize Zn, Pb and Cd in smelter-contaminated soil in the Upper Silesia region. Soil samples were collected at three sites located in the vincity of a Pb-Zn smelter and a sludge landfill near the town of Bukowno. Effective reduction of leachable and fitoavailable Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations in soil was observed after addition of diammonium phosphate, "Polifoska 15" fertilizer and bog iron ore amendments. Additional test proved that immobilization effect gained by these amendments sustains at low-temperature conditions. It was noticed that phosphate addition resulted in lowering pH and mobilization of As(V) in soils. Good immobilization effectiveness and lack of major adverse effects of bog iron application suggest that this is the method of choice.