Journal of Environmental Biology

Identification of the solid phase in relation to the solubility of nickel in alluvial soils

Mandira Barman, S.P. Datta* and R.K. Rattan

Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: spdatta.manish@gmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

19 March 2013

Revised received:

25 September 2013

Accepted:

05 October 2013

Abstract

The chemical equillibria between nickel (Ni) ion present in soil solution and solid phases govern the solubility vis-a-vis availability of Ni in soil. Therefore, stability of various Ni containing minerals in relation to pH was studied to identify the probable solid phases, which govern the solubility of Ni in some alluvial soils under intensive cultivation in and around Delhi. Free Ni²⁺ activity (pNi²⁺) as estimated by Baker soil test, ranged from 13.1 to 16.2. Highest free Ni²⁺ activity (pNi²⁺ = 13.1) was recorded in industrial effluent irrigated soil collected from Sonepat, Haryana. Free Ni²⁺ activity was 13.6 in soil collected from agricultural lands of Keshopur, receiving irrigation through sewage effluents. Soils receiving irrigation through tube well water showed relatively lower free Ni2+ activity (pNi²⁺ = 14.6 to 16.2). Ni-ferrite in equilibrium with Fe(OH)₃ (amorphous) is likely to control the activity of Ni in two intensively Ni contaminated soil having pH around 8. Free Ni²⁺ activity is likely to be buffered by exchangeable Ni in soils having neutral pH. 

Key words

Alluvial soil, Nickel, Solubility, Solid phase

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