The Effect of Fulvic Acid on the Sorption of Lead by Clay Materials.
Abstract
Sixty five percent of Army housing units are more than 25 years old and are likely to have surfaces painted with lead based paint. Lead contaminated structures require remediation to meet current regulatory mandates and to ensure a safe living environment. Once lead is removed, abatement waste must be disposed in an environmentally responsible manner. Lead based paint removed during abatement may contaminate groundwater with excessive lead levels if improperly disposed. Proper site selection for the pollutant disposal and the use of liners are the primary techniques currently available for minimizing the potential for groundwater contamination. Investigation of lead mobility in soil, and the variables that affect its leachability are needed to minimize future contamination of water supplies and to avoid the high expenses associated with remediation. This study investigated fulvic acid, one parameter that affects the transport of lead in the subsurface. Laboratory bench tests indicated that the sorption of lead on clay materials was enhanced by the presence of fulvic acid. This study also recommends that these results not be used in isolation, without accounting for the many other parameters that may also affect the movement of lead in the subsurface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325317
Entities
People
- Brian Foy
- Deborah R. Curtin
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory