Retention dynamics of multi-metal contaminants from pond ash slurry onto fine grained soil

The coal fly ashes contain high concentration of toxic metals. The sorption plays crucial part to retard the movement of contaminants through the liner. In the present investigation to examine the potential of fine-grained soil as liner material, obtained from bank of River Ganga, was assessed in terms of its adsorption capability. Batch adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) were performed. Maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) (65.76%) at pH 3 for adsorbate and adsorbent dose of 5 ​mg/L and 2 ​g/L and maximum adsorption of Pb(II) (96.84%) at pH 5 for adsorbate and adsorbent dose of 5 ​mg/L and 1.5 ​g/L, respectively, were observed. Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) follow Freundlich isotherm equation. The soil column studies were performed at various bed heights (2, 3 and 5 ​cm) in down flow mode. The tracer studies were conducted using NaCl to estimate the hydrodynamic parameters and they were considered as input parameters for modelling of fate and transport of contaminants in soil using HYDRUS 1D software for assessing the potential use of soil as liner material in ash pond structures.