JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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As apparent Zn recovery in mineral soils (saturated and unsaturated) is nill, the precise assessment of processes responsible for Zn retention in these soils is of great importance. A laboratory study was conducted to characterize Zn adsorption in eight lowland calcareous soils. The fit of sorption data was evaluated by Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. In this study, 2-g soil samples were equilibrated for 24 hours with 40 mL 0.0lM CaCl₂ solution containing 5 to 500 mg Zn L^-1. The amount of Zn adsorbed was calculated based on the difference between the initial and equilibrium Zn concentrations.

Zinc adsorption data were fitted to a linear form of Freundlich equation. However the Langmuir isotherm was divided into two distinct linear portions, representing two different types of adsorption sites. The Langmuir K₁ was higher and adsorption maxima (b₁) was lower in part I (corresponding to lower Zn concentration) than in part II (corresponding to higher Zn concentration). Thus, it seems that in parts I and II, sites are more important for their high adsorption energy and adsorption capacity, respectively. Langmuir adsorption maxima (b₂) was positively correlated with clay content, CCE and P concentration and negatively correlated with CEC.

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Phosphate sorption by soils is one of the most important processes indicating the buffering power and availability of P for plants. Phosphorus sorption characteristics of eight representative calcareous soil of Isfahan region were evaluated. For this purpose, 3 grams, of < 2-mm soil were equilibrated for 24 hours at 25±l °C in 60 ml of 0.01 M CaCl₂ with varying amounts of P. Sorbed phosphorus was calculated by the difference between P initially added and P remaining in the final solution. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Van Huay equations were fitted to the sorption data.

 All four equations adequately described the relationship between sorbed and solution P, but the Van Huay model was slightly superior. Some phosphorus buffering indices were calculated from the sorption isotherms. These buffering indices were highly related to each other as well as to soil properties. Clay percent showed the highest correlation with buffering indices (r=0.771 to 0.949) followed by calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The quantity of P sorbed at standard concentration of 0.3 µg P/ml (SPR) is reported to the amount that satisfies the phosphate requirement of many crops. This parameter was calculated from Van Huay equation and showed a strong correlation with buffering indices (r=0.807 to 0.990) and soil properties such as clay (r=0.960) and CCE (r=0.809) percents. Regression analysis suggested that clay and CCE percents were the most important soil properties for estimating the buffering power and the standard P requirement of the calcareous soil in Isfahan region.

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Isotherm curves are useful for the designing of dryer as well as controling of the seed moisture content during storage and drying process. To study the curves, this research was performed on the basis of two factorial experiments including three factors: (1) hybrid at two levels (Three Way Cross 647 and Single Cross 704) (2) temperature at 6 levels (from 5 to 55°C) and (3) Relative Humidity (RH) at 5 levels (from 10 to 90 percent) for the analysis of the adsorption and desorption phenomena. For maintaining RH at the above mentioned ranges, glycerol solutions with different concentrations were used. The results showed that the relationship between solutions concentration and their RH was non-linear and somewhat related to temperature. Also, statistical analysis displayed that for 3 factors of tepmerature , RH and hybrid, the effects on Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) in both adsorption and desorption phenomena were significant at α=1%. Comparisons of means showed that hybrid 704 had higher EMC values than did hybrid 647 under the same conditions, in other words, hybrid 704 produced lower a_w than did hybrid 647 at the same moisture content. Fitting experimental values on non-linear models (Henderson, Chung-Pfost and Oswin) showed Oswin as the best model for adsorption and desorption curves for hybrid 704 and also for adsorption curve for hybrid 647 , but the best model for desorption curve for hybrid 647 was Chung-Pfost.

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In the present study, the effects of sodium metabisulphite concentration (2, 4, 6, 8, 10%), dipping time (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10 min.) mixing of the solution including: continuous mixing , once per 2.5 minutes , once per 5.0 minutes and without mixing (I, II, III, IV) and pH of the solution (4.62, 3.62, 3.42) on the absorption of sulphure dioxide by halved Riogrande variety tomatoes prepared for sun drying were investigated. The experiment design was completely randomized plots with the order of 5, 4, 4 and 3 treatments, each with four replications. The results showed that increasing the solution concentrations, dipping time, mixing and decreasing pH increased the rate of SO₂ absorptions. The increment of SO₂ in tomato under the effect of the above mentioned factors have been shown in different tables and figures. The mathematical models of relationship among the rate of absorption of SO₂ , the concentration of sodium metabisulfite solution, dipping time, also the effect of metabisulfite solution pH were developed. Significant differences were found in these increments in all the treatments (α= 0.01).

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  Soil properties play a significant role in phosphorus (P) sorption. Information about P sorption is limited in Hamadan soils. The objectives of this research were to study the P sorption in twelve soils of Hamadan, assess the capability of different kinetics equations describing P sorption and correlate the P sorption characteristics with the soil properties. The soils were fertilized with 200 mg P kg^-1 as KH₂PO₄. Fertilized soil was incubated at 25±1 ˚C for 2520 h. The incubated samples at 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 240, 336, 504, 672, 840, 1008, 1176, 1344, 1512, 1680, 1848, 2016, 2186, 2352, 2520 hours after P addition were extracted by two extractants. The soil phosphorous was extracted by 0.5 M sodium bicarbonate (Olsen solution) or by AB-DTPA. Zero order, first order, simplified Elovich equation, parabolic diffusion law and power function equations were fitted on the experimental data. The results showed that P sorption was initially rapid followed by a slow phase. The amounts of P sorption after 2520 h, ranged from 162.7 to 253.84 and 193.37 to 235.11 mg kg^-1 for the Olsen and AB-DTPA methods, respectively. Regarding to higher determination coefficient and lower standard error, Elovich and power function equations were suitable to describe P sorption kinetics. Rate constants of the Elovich and power function equations ranged from 0.036 to 0.49 and 0.157 to 0.304 mg kg^-1h^-1 for Olsen and from 0.074 to 0.76 and 0.184 to 0.382 mg kg^-1h^-1 for AB-DTPA. The trend of the data implied a discontinuity in slope at 336 h, as two region models might better satisfy the trend of the data in to two range ( 0 to 336 and 336 to 2500 hr). At the first section, the P sorption could be describe by simplified Elovich, power function and parabolic diffusion law kinetics equations. Rate constants in these equations varied among the soils. At the second section, kinetics equations could not describe the P sorption. The results of this study indicated that P sorption rates varied among the soils and Fe , Al and CaCo₃ affected on P sorption kinetics.

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Organic manures can affect phosphorus (P) sorption characteristics (PSC) and its availability in soils. Information about effect of sewage sludge (SL) on PSC in calcareous soils of Hamadan province is limited. The objective of this research was to study the effect of SL on PSC and available P in 10 calcareous soils. The soil samples were incubated with and without 1.5 % SL for 5 months at field capacity at 25 ±1 סC . After incubation, available P was determined by Olsen method. Furthermore, 2.5 g samples were shaken with 25 mL 0.01 M CaCl2 containing 0 to 30 mg P L-1 as KH2PO4. After equilibration, suspensions were centrifuged and P concentration was determined in clear extracts. The results showed that SL application increased available P. The mean available P value increased by 37.6 %. Available P in untreated and SL-treated soils ranged from 8.1 to 22.1 and 14.8 to 28.0 mg kg-1, respectively. Sorption data in the all samples were well described by Freundlich and linear isotherm, whereas sorption data in all SL-treated soils did not adequately fit to the Langmuir isotherm. The constants of sorption isotherms were lowered by SL application. The mean sorption maxima, binding energy and maximum buffering capacity values decreased by 38.85, 21.34 and 38.90 % respectively. The mean distribution coefficient, Freundlich n and the mean buffering capacity (slope of linear model) values decreased by 21.7, 16.0 and 6.1 %, respectively. The results of this study showed that application of SL decreases standard phosphorus requirement. Moreover PSC results indicated that use of sewage sludge might increase the risk of P transfer to surface water.

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In this study, two kinds of packages namely tinplate (TP) can and flexible pouch were used for black cherry in syrup. Samples were taken in the same condition in these two packages. Other variables were temperature (4 levels) 4, 23, 35 and 40°C and time (4 levels) 0, 30, 60 and 90 days after preparation of the samples. Samples were digested according to the approved method of AOAC (AOAC, 1990). The total concentrations of Iron, Tin and lead, were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentration of Iron, Tin and Lead was 4/858 ppm, 38/459 ppb, 38/459ppb in TP cans and 3/161 ppm, 387/978ppb, 33/993 ppb in flexible pouches. Statistical analysis showed that at %5 probability level, the mean value of Iron content of the product packed in TP cans were significantly higher than the control the same was true about both lead and Tin content. However, this trend was not proved in flexible pouches. Furthermore, temperature had a significant effect on the metal content of the samples.

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In this study, the transport of nalidixic acid-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli NAR) through two soils of sandy loam and clay loam was investigated. Saturated and unsaturated flow conditions were applied at two temperatures of 5 and 20ºC. Leaching was done using large repaired soil columns which had been subjected to physical weathering. A 20-cm diameter disk infiltrometer was set up to establish the steady-state flow conditions. Effluent was sampled at three depths of 15, 30 and 45 cm of soil columns. Saturated flow condition, temperature of 20 ºC and clay loam soil resulted in increasing the bacteria concentration in the leachate. Filtration coefficient and relative adsorption indices in sandy loam soil (average flow conditions, temperature and depth) were greater than those of clay loam soil with the respective values of 33% and 23%. These results may be related to the instability of soil structure and abundance of micropores in the sandy loam columns. In other words, the bacteria were physically blocked and entrapped in the fine pores of sandy loam soil. Effluent bacteria concentration decreased by depth of soil column, indicating the effect of soil on bacterial filtration as a natural filter. Leaching with cold water led to decrement of flow rate and consequently increment of bacterial filtration in the two soils of clay loam and sandy loam (average flow conditions, temperature and depth) with the respective values of 100% and 68%.

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Studies on the soils of western Golestan province show that regardless of increased rain and presence of clay minerals with high cation exchange capacity, potassium extractable with ammonium acetate is low. In order to find the reason for this low amount of available K, clay minerals and micromorphology of the soil porosity were studied. Twenty disturbed and undisturbed samples from each horizon were taken for physicochemical properties, mineralogy and micromorphological studies. Four selected profiles included Gypsic Aquisalids, Typic Endoaquepts, Typic Calcixerolls and Typic Hapludalfs. The results showed that in addition to the clay content and type of clay minerals in soils that can affect soil available K (Kava.), it seems soil porosity can also affect Kava. mainly through their effects on extension of roots, water and nutrients transmission. Favorable content of clay and dominance of smectites in Mollisols and also higher porosity and dominance of channel porosities caused the presence of higher Kava, in these soils. presence of HIS. poor soil drainage, reduction of Fe3+ in smectite crystal lattice in Inceptisols, and also less amount of porosities caused the presence of higher potassium fixation and reduction of Kava. in these soils.

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Organic acids can affect phosphorus (P) sorption. In order to evaluate the effect of citric acid and oxalic acid on phosphorus sorption characteristics in calcareous soils, five different soil samples (0-30 cm) were collected in West Azerbaijan province. Soil samples (2.5 g) were equilibrated with solutions of KH2PO4 containing 0 to 20 mg P l-1. Five mM organic acids were added to each tube and sorbed P was calculated. The sorption data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and linear equations. The results showed phosphorus sorption data were well described by the Freundlich and linear equations. The average values of Kf (distribution coefficient), n and equilibrium buffering capacity (EBC) of linear equation in citric acid treatment were reduced to 29, 12 and 17 percent, respectively and for oxalic acid reduced to 43, 27 and 14 percent, respectively. Maximum sorption was reduced significantly by oxalic as compared to citric acid. Standard phosphorus requirement (SPR) was decreased by 57 % as a result of organic acids additions compared to control condition. It is concluded that organic acids additions to soils containing more calcium carbonate and high amount of clay can decrease P sorption.

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Crisis of quality and quantity of water resources is one of the most important problems in arid and semi-arid areas such as Iran. Wastewater treatment and reuse as a potential source of water can not only compensate for the water scarcity but also can prevent the hazardous pollutants from entering the groundwater and surface water resources. There are various methods to improve water quality, among which method of filtration is an effective and efficient method to remove elements. The most important issue for filter system is the selection of adsorbent materials. In this work, the tire chips were used as adsorbent. Column adsorption tests in a pilot system were conducted in two distinct steps using two types of water, including salt water and industrial effluents. Each test was conducted as a factorial experiment with three factors based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Three factors were studied including particle size (2-5 mm and 3-5 cm), filter thickness (10, 30 and 50 cm) and sorbent contact time with solution. The results showed that adsorption rate increased by increasing the thickness of the filter and sorbent contact time with solution. The best performance of reducing the salinity was observed in the treatment with 50 centimeter thickness and 24 contact hours. The salinity of this treatment was reduced by 20.3 percent (in the test with salt water) and 11.2 percent (in the test with industrial effluents). This filter reduced the heavy metals of lead, zinc and manganese up to 99, 72.1 and 41.4 percent, respectively. Also, the performance of millimeter and centimeter particles did not show a significant difference. Generally, the tire chips showed a proper performance to improve the water quality especially for industrial wastewater.

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Heavy metals in water resources are one of the most important environmental problems in most of countries. Up to now, various methods for removing these metals including using low price materials have been used. In this study, two new absorbents (zizyphus spinachristi leaf and its fly ash) were studied for adsorption of cadmium from aqueous solutions using batch experiments. The effect of contact time, pH, and amount of adsorbent on adsorption efficiency was evaluated and the best kinetic and isotherm model was determined. Results showed that optimal absorption of pH was 5 and 6 for zizyphus spinachristi leaf and its fly ash, respectively. The equilibrium time was 45 min for zizyphus spinachristi leaf and 30 min for ash. Adsorption efficiency was increased by increasing the adsorbent dose. By comparing the parameters of isotherm models, it was observed that the cadmium adsorption capacity of fly ash (4.27 mg/gr) was higher than that of zizyphus spinachristi (3.91 mg/gr).

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In order to determine optimum equilibrium solution phosphorus (P) concentration using P adsorption isotherm and obtain model(s) by integrating soil solution P concentration, physicochemical properties, and soil P test (available P) which predict standard P requirements to achieve maximum yield, laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted on 36 soil samples belonging to 15 soil series and 14 soil samples, respectively. Using wheat as a test crop, the glasshouse experiment was laid out with five P levels in a completely randomized design with three replications. Concentrations of P in solution established by adding P in the pots estimated from the sorption curve ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 mg P/L including check treatment (no P). The results showed that equilibrium solution P concentration (EPC) was almost low in comparison with the requirement for most crops (<0.2 mg/L). The amount of P adsorbed by the soils at 0.2 mg/L EPC ranged from 5 to 114 mg/kg soil. The phosphate adsorption was well described by Freundlich (R2 = 0.96) and Langmuir (R2 = 0.88) isotherms. Langmuir maximum adsorption (Xm) and Freundlich coefficient (aF) estimated from Langmuir and Freundlich equations ranged from 127 to 238 mg P /kg soil and from 43 to 211 mg P/kg, respectively. Yield of wheat in all soils approached maximum as adjusted P levels were increased to 0.4 mg P/L. The results showed that some soils studied were adequate in available P by the NaHCO3 test, but required an amount of P fertilizer by the isotherm P requirement test to obtain maximum biomass production. Soil clay content was significantly related to the soil P sorption indices, P0.4 (P sorbed at 0.4 mg P/L EPC) (R = 0.40, P<0.01), PBC (P buffering capacity) (R = 0.54, P<0.001), aF (R = 0.48, P<0.01), and Xm (R = 0.40, P<0.01). Total CaCO3 and Active CaCO3 were found to be less important factors affecting P adsorption. Using stepwise regression analysis resulted in a useful regression model including the combination of Olsen P and clay content for the prediction of standard P requirement (P0.4).

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The purpose of this study was to investigate cadmium adsorption through Freundlich and Langmuir equations in sediments of Karun River in three hydrometric stations (5th Ahvaz Bridge, Darkhovin and Khorramshahr) in the low-water and high-water seasons. Fitting of data from experiments on cadmium absorption to Freundlich and Langmuir equation showed they are compatible. According to the conducted experiments, there was a significant difference at 0.01 levels between b coefficient of Langmuir equation with the organic matter percentage and the clay content in both Low and high water seasons, while there was no significant difference between k coefficient of Langmuir equation with the organic matter percentage and the clay content for the two seasons. The results also suggested that there is a significant relationship between Kf of Freundlich equation with the organic matter percentage and clay content, at significant levels of 0.05 and 0.01 for the organic matter percentage and the clay content, respectively. Comparison of the means of low and high water seasons revealed that there is no significant relationship between Langmuir coefficients, whereas in Freundlich equation, a significant difference at 0.01 level was observed between kf coefficients. Generally, the obtained results indicated that cadmium adsorption by sediments in low-water season is higher than high-water season. Also, cadmium adsorption by the 5th Ahvaz Bridge sediments due to the sandy texture was less than those adsorbed by both Darkhovin and Khorramshahr sediments.

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The reclamation of salt-affected soils which occur on 831×106 ha can be effective in increasing agricultural production. Cultivation of plant species which are resistant to salinity can improve the soil by increasing the solubility of calcite and releasing the calcium in soil solution. This study was conducted as a column experiment with a saline-sodic soil (SAR = 23.8, EC= 12.88 dS m-1, pH= 7.7, CaCO3= 15.15 %). Three plant treatments including Sesbania acuelata, Cyanodon dactylon and Rubia tinctorum, and three chemical treatments including gypsum in two levels (50% and 100% gypsum requirement) and sulfuric acid with a control were arranged. All treatments were replicated 3 times. The soil columns were similarly leached by 41 liters of tap water during 30 days in 8 stages. After leaching, SAR and EC in soil, the amounts of sodium in leachate and total amount of sodium in plants shoot were determined. Results showed that the SAR was decreased compared to control by the plant treatments and the chemical amendments by about 59% and 65%, respectively. Moreover, two plants of Cyanodon dactylon and Rubia tinctorum had maximum amount of leachate sodium, which shows an impressive role of these plants in dissolution and leaching of exchangeable or sediment sodium in comparison with the other treatments. According to salient performance of phytoremediation in improvement of physicochemical properties of soil compared to chemical amendments, phytoremediation can be recommended as a profitable low-cost and effective method for remediation of saline-sodic soils.

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This research was conducted to study the effect of natural and polyacrylamide-modified montmorillonite on the sorption of Cd from aqueous solutions. The sorption of Cd on the sorbents was studied as a function of pH (Cd concentration: 10 mg L-1) in the range of 4-8.5, and as a function of metal concentration (Cd concentration in the range of 1-10 mgL-1) using a 24h batch equilibration. Experimental and modeling data from equilibrium investigations revealed that the Koble–Corrigan sorption model describes the interaction between Cd and the two sorbents better than the Freundlich and Langmuir models. The values of KF constant of Freundlich and KL constant of Langmuir models were higher for sorption of Cd onto the modified montmorillonite than for those of natural montmorillonite. Maximum sorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir model was 0.6 and 0.7 mg g-1 for natural and modified montmorillonite, respectively. These values are indications of high sorption affinity of Cd to montmorillonite in the presence of polyacrylamide. The amount of Cd sorbed by modified montmorillonite decreased by increasing solution pH while Cd sorption by natural montmorillonite increased by increasing the solution pH.

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Zeolite is widely used for removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The objective of this study was to assess three sizes of zeolite in removing lead, nickel and cadmium from wastewater. A splite-plot experimental design was employed with 45 treatments and three replications at Shiraz University Lab in 2011. The treatments were five different concentrations of the pollutant and three sizes of zeolite (0.075, 0.2 and 0.425mm). The concentrations for lead were: 40, 250, 500, 1000 and 1250 mg/l and 4, 6, 15, 20 and 40 mg/l for nickel and cadmium. The results showed that the effect of concentrations of pollutant was significant, and by increasing the concentration of pollutant, absorption of heavy metals by zeolite increases linearly. Maximum lead absorption occurred at 1250 mg/l with 59.97 mg and minimum absorption of lead was related to the concentration of40 mg/l with 1.82 mg for 1 grams of zeolite. Maximum and minimum nickel absorptions were related to the concentration of 40 and 4 mg/l with 1.92 and 0.16 mg for 1 grams of zeolite, respectively. The values were 1.87 and 0.18 mg for 40 and 4 mg/l for cadmium, respectively. The effect of size of zeolite on the pollutant adsorption was not significant.

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Sorption hysteresis in soil constituents has important environmental implications such as pollutant transport and bioavailability. This research was carried out to study sorption reversibility of cadmium (Cd) on natural zeolite. Sorption isotherms were derived by sorption of Cd (П) from solutions containing different concentrations of Cd in the range of 1 to 10 mg L-1 using a 24h batch equilibration experiment. Desorption of Cd(II) was studied with the clay samples initially treated with the metal loadings of 50 and 100% maximum sorption capacity (SCmax) during the sorption study. Sorption isotherms of Cd were well described by the Freundlich and Coble-Korrigan models (R2=0.96). Desorption isotherms of Cd from zeolite showed little deviation from sorption data indicating reversible sorption. On the other hand, the results revealed no hysteresis. The average amount of 71.75 % of the initially sorbed Cd was desorbed from zeolite after five successive desorption steps. Release of such a relatively high proportion of sorbed Cd indicates that zeolite is an effective sorbent for the repeated purification of polluted water and wastewater.

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Removal of boron from aqueous environments (soil and water) is difficult, because it is present as B(OH)3 and B(OH)4- species. This research was done to study the sorption of boron by HDTMA-modified zeolite. The sorption of B on modified zeolite was studied as a function of pH (B concentration: 1 and 10 mg L-1) in the range of 6-9.5, and as a function of ionic strength (0.03 and 0.06 M Ca(NO3)2 or Mg(NO3)2) at a constant B concentration of 5 mg L-1. Sorption isotherm was performed for the solutions containing initial B concentration in the range of 1-15 mg L-1 using a 24h batch equilibration experiment. The results revealed that surfactant-modified zeolite exhibited the best performance at pH 9.5, and sorption of B increased with the increase of suspension pH. Greater B adsorption in the Ca system over the Mg system was clearly observed for the modified zeolite. Sorption isotherm of B were well described by the Freundlich and Langmuir models but the Freundlich sorption model described the interaction between B and the mineral material better than the Langmuir model. Maximum sorption capacity (qmax) of the sorbent was 120 mmol kg-1. The experimental data showed that HDTMA-modified zeolite used in this study had a reasonable sorption capacity for B.

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Humic substances are the most important organic fractions in soils and have affinity towards trace metals. In order to evaluate the effect of humic acid on zinc (Zn) sorption and desorption by soil,‌ a batch experiment was conducted with two soil samples which were different in clay and calcium carbonate contents. Three levels of humic acid (0,‌ 200, 500 mg/L) and various Zn concentrations (0 to 450 mg/‌L) were applied at constant ionic strength (0.05 M NaCl). Adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin equations. Freundlich equation fitted relatively better (R2= 0.86-0.98). Results showed that the application ofhumic acid increased both ‌sorption and desorption of Zn in the two sample soils. Increasing of humic acid concentration increased maximum adsorption of Langmuir (qmax) up to 8-21% and Freundlich sorption capacity (Kf) up to 73-95%.‌ All sorption parameters including‌ Langmuir binding energy (KL), Freundlich intensity factor (n) and coefficients of Temkin equation (A, KT) were increased by adding humic acid, so that the above mentioned sorption parameters of S1 (with low clay and calcium carbonate) were lower than those of S2 (with high clay and calcium carbonate). Application ‌of humic acid (500 mg/L) increased desorption of Zn (DTPA-Zn) ‌from 511 to 711 mg/kg for S1 and 499 to 609 for S2‌.