A review of the distribution coefficients of trace elements in soils: Influence of sorption system, element characteristics, and soil colloidal properties

Knowledge about the behavior and reactions of separate soil components with trace elements (TEs) and their distribution coefficients (K(d)s) in soils is a key issue in assessing the mobility and retention of TEs. Thus, the fate of TEs and the toxic risk they pose depend crucially on their K-d in soil. This article reviews the K-d of TEs in soils as affected by the sorption system, element characteristics, and soil colloidal properties. The sorption mechanism, determining factors, favorable conditions, and competitive ions on the sorption and K-d of TEs are also discussed here. This review demonstrates that the K-d value of TEs does not only depend on inorganic and organic soil constituents, but also on the nature and characteristics of the elements involved as well as on their competition for sorption sites. The K-d value of TEs is mainly affected by individual or competitive sorption systems. Generally, the sorption in competitive systems is lower than in mono-metal sorption systems. More strongly sorbed elements, such as Pb and Cu, are less affected by competition than mobile elements, such as Cd, Ni, and Zn. The sorption preference exhibited by soils for elements over others may be due to: (i) the hydrolysis constant, (ii) the atomic weight, (iii) the ionic radius, and subsequently the hydrated radius, and (iv) its Misono softness value. Moreover, element concentrations in the test solution mainly affect the K-d values. Mostly, values of K-d decrease as the concentration of the included cation increases in the test solution. Additionally, the K-d of TEs is controlled by the sorption characteristics of soils, such as pH, clay minerals, soil organic matter, Fe and Mn oxides, and calcium carbonate. However, more research is required to verify the practical utilization of studying K-d of TEs in soils as a reliable indicator for assessing the remediation process of toxic metals in soils and waters. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.