Ionic strength effect on heavy metal adsorption by soil

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Abstract
The adsorption of Cd and Cu by three different soils was studied in the presence of variable concentrations of calcium chloride. Cadmium adsorption fitted the Freundlich equation while Cu better fitted the Langmuir equation. Increasing ionic strength decreased metal adsorption because of the competition of Ca‐ions for the adsorption sites of the soils. Results could be useful from the standpoint of correct management of sewage sludges and animal slurries applied to agricultural soils because they have an electrolyte concentration greater than that found in normal soil solutions.