A Study on Chemical Speciations and Leaching Potential of Heavy Metals in Polluted Wastes Soils

Fractional compositions and leaching potentials of Cd, Cu and Zn were investigated in the soils which had been disposed with the metal processing wastes, tungsten mine tailings and low quality coal mine area. Total concentrations of metals in these soils were higher than in non-polluted paddy and upland soils. Fractions of Cd, Cu and Zn were mostly reducible, organic and residual forms, but varied with origins of wastes. Residual fraction was a predominant form in the nonpolluted soils. Leaching potentials of metals were higher in polluted soils than in non-polluted soils. Metals leached were higher at pH 4.0 than 7.0 and increased with the duration time. After 25 to 35 hrs, metals released from soils reached a pseudoequilibrium. Leaching potential of metals in non-polluted soils was low due to high percentage of residual fractions.