Speciation of Zn, Cu, and Pb in the soil depending on soil texture and fertilization with sewage sludge compost

Abstract

Background, aim, and scope Heavy metal (HM) mobility in soil depends on the HM species in it. Therefore, knowledge of the HM speciation in soil allows the prediction of HM impact on the environment. HM speciation in soil depends on the metal chemical origin, soil texture, and other factors such as the origin and level of soil contamination. Recently, the problem of organic waste utilization is of great importance as the amount of this recyclable material is continually increasing. One of the possible ways of recycling is the use of processed organic wastes for agricultural needs. In this research, aerobically composted sewage sludge was used, the utilization of which is of essential importance. But one of the most serious restrictions is HM transfer from such material to the soil. Therefore, a prediction of HM mobility in soil and its migration in the environment is an important issue when using sewage sludge compost (SSC) in agriculture. Zn, Cu, and Pb speciation was performed according to the modified methodology of Tessier et al. (Anal Chem 51:844-851, 1979) in two different (sandy and clay) soils with background HM amounts and in soil samples amended with aerobically digested SSC to find out the predominant species of the investigated HM and to predict their potential availability.