Influence of complexation on lead(II) and cadmium(II) percolation through a clay liner

Wastes are usually stocked in waste disposals without any pre-treatment. Runoff waters lead to the formation of leachates containing mineral and organic pollutants. In order to prevent groundwater contamination, a double barrier is placed on the landfill bottom. The first one is an active barrier made up of a draining system and a geomembrane, and the second one, consisting of a clay liner allowing pollutant retention, is considered as a passive system. The aim of this work is to evaluate the complexation impact on the organic and inorganic retention. Percolations on columns filled with clay are performed, which allow a better knowledge of the transfer of metallic pollutants, complexed or not, through a model porous media, considering charge and conditional stability of complexes.