Author(s)

Sudarshan K. Dutta, Dhanwinder Singh

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Sorption and desorption mechanisms of lead (Pb) were determined in four different soils collected from different agro-climatic regions of India. The soils were classified as: fine loamy mixed Typic- Dystrudepts, fine sandy loam Typic Ustochrepts, fine loamy Typic Ustochrept, and fine sandy loam Udic Haplustalfs. Seven different Pb solutions [Pb(NO3)2 dissolved in 0.01M Ca(NO3)2] in a range of 400 to 2000µgL-1 were applied to study the sorption amounts at 25(±2)oC and 45(±2)oC temperatures. With the increase in application rate and tempera-ture, sorption amounts of Pb increased; however, percentages of sorption of applied Pb were decreased. Sorptions were positively and significantly (p≤0.01) correlated with Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic parameters of sorption (i.e. Ko, ?Go, ?Ho, and ?So) were also determined at two tempera-tures, 25(±2)oC and 45(±2)oC. Increase in Ko with the increase in temperature indicated positive effect of temperature on Pb sorption. High absolute values of ?Go, and positive values of ?Ho, and ?So suggested that the sorption reaction was spontaneous and en-dothermic. Sorbed Pb were desorbed in Pb free 0.01M Ca(NO3)2 solutions at 25(±2)oC and 45(±2)oC. Desorption amounts increased with increase in the Pb application rate, but not always with the increase in temperature.

Desorption; Isotherm; Lead; Sorption, Thermodynamics

Dutta, S. and Singh, D. (2011) Sorption and desorption behavior of lead in four different soils of India. Agricultural Sciences, 2, 41-48. doi: 10.4236/as.2011.21007.