[Simulation study on the effect of salinity on the adsorption behavior of mercury in wastewater-irrigated area]

This study was designed to pinpoint the impact of salinity ( NaCl and Na2SO4, added at salinity levels of 0-5%, respectively) on the adsorption behavior of mercury in wastewater-irrigated areas of Tianjin City by batch and kinetic experiments. The results showed that, the Langmuir isotherm and the Elovich equation can well fitted batch and kinetic experimental data, respectively. As NaCI spiked in soil, Hg( II) adsorption capacity and strength had marked decreases, from 868.64 mgkg-1 and 1. 32 at control to 357.48 mgkg-1 and 0.63 at 5% salinity level of NaCI, respectively. As Na2SO4 spiked in soil, Hg(II) adsorption capacity (parameter qm in Langmuir isotherm) and strength (parameter k in Langmuir isotherm) changed slightly, from 868.64 mg kg-1 and 1.32 at control to 739.44 mg.kg-1 and 1. 18 at 5% salinity level of Na2 SO4, respectively. Kinetic data showed that, Hg( II) adsorption rate (parameter b in Elovich equation) in soil was not influenced by Na2SO, addition. However, the addition of NaC1 had a great effect on mercury adsorption rate. Hg(II ) adsorption capacity as a function of CI- or SO(2-)(4) content in soil could be simulated by the natural logarithm model, while Hg( II ) adsorption rate as a function of CI- content in soil could be simulated by the linear model. The study manifested that NaCI can significantly increase migration of Hg( II ) in the soil irrigated with wastewater, which may enhance Hg( II) bioavailability in the soil and cause a hazard to surface water. Especially, it will be harmful to human body through the food chain.