A preliminary study on the migration mechanism of heavy metals into the vadose zone of soils of a dismissed industrial site.
Within the framework of the site assessment of a dismantled steel-making plant area contaminated by Electric Arc Furnace dust (EAF dust), the actual migration of Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Zn and Ni (contaminants) from an industrial waste layer towards the vadose zone of the underlying soil has been evaluated. The crystalline phases and contaminant abundance of samples of the industrial waste layer and the surrounding soils were analysed, while the release of contaminants was evaluated by leaching tests. Results indicate the migration of pollutants from the industrial waste layer into the subsurface soil, but the high leachability of soil hides its real degree of contamination, with the consequent possibility of underestimating the hazardous characteristics of the actual situation.
Spada
Paola
P
Hydrotech S.r.l.--Ricerca per l'ambiente, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste. paola.spada@com.area.trieste.it
Antonini
Paolo
P
De Zorzi
Gregorio
G
D006801:Humans; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D007221:Industry; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D013232:Steel
D007220:Industrial Waste; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D012987:Soil; D013232:Steel