Control of Zn, Cu and Mn activities in alkaline and calcareous soils equilibrated with EDTA

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The modified EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) method of determining the ionic activities in soils developed by Norvell was used to measure Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ activities including the competition of Ca and Mg for the chelating ligand EDTA. In the Zn-EDTA system, the equilibrium mole fraction of CaL2− + MgL2− increased with an increase in pH of the soil solution, thereby leading to a decrease in the concentration of transition metal ions. In view of the pH dependence of the metal ion activities, the values of the expression pM + 2 pOH (where M may be Zn, Cu or Mn) were used to discuss the possible role of various oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, sulphides and unknown solid phases in regulating the activities of Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+ ions in alkaline and calcareous soils.