恒电荷土壤与可变电荷土壤对Cl~-和NO_3~-吸附的差异及其机理

对 3种可变电荷土壤和 4种恒电荷土壤在不同 pH、不同浓度、不同相伴阴阳离子下混合体系中Cl-和NO3-的吸附进行了测定。结果表明 ,在Cl-和NO3- 共存体系中 ,Cl-比例增大使可变电荷土壤Na+吸附量及OH-释放量增加 ,而对恒电荷土壤影响不大。Cl-和NO3-吸附量随平衡Cl-和NO3-浓度增加而增大 ,随pH升高而减少。但恒电荷土壤在上述各种条件下对Cl-和NO3-吸附均相同 ,而可变电荷土壤对Cl-吸附量大于NO3-的吸附量 ;NO3-、Cl-的选择系数为 0.51～0.78,Cl-和NO3-的相对吸附量分别为56.9%和 43.1%。在不同相伴阳离子下 ,可变电荷土壤平衡溶液Cl-/NO3-比值均小于 1,且为Na+K+Ca2+Mg2+Fe3+;而恒电荷土壤Cl-/NO3-比值为 1左右 ,且不受阳离子类型的影响。由此认为 ,Cl-和NO3-在两类土壤中均以电性吸附为主 ,恒电荷土壤对Cl-和NO3-的亲合力及吸附机理相同 ;而可变电荷土壤对Cl-的亲合力 NO3- ,Cl-存在着专性吸附     

THE SPECIFIC ADSORPTION OF DIVALENT Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, AND Zn ON GOETHITE

The specific adsorption of divalent Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn on goethite is measured as a function of pH. For each mole of heavy metal adsorbed approximately two moles of H+ ions are displaced from the interface. Using these results the heavy metal adsorption data are expressed as functions of the solution concentrations of both H+ and metal ions, and the interfacial reaction is described by the equation, ₂SH+M²⁺= S₂M+₂H⁺. The adsorption data are consistent with an electrochemical model of the simultaneous adsorption of H⁺ ions and divalent metal ions on to the oxide. The intrinsic affinities of the metal ions for the oxide surface increase in the order, Cd < Co < Zn < Pb < Cu. However, besides the affinity of the metal ion for the surface, the adsorption curves are considered to be influenced by surface charge, the adsorption density of the metal ions and their size. The analysis of the data in terms of H⁺ and M²⁺ ion adsorption is considered to be complementary to the hydrolysis model for heavy metal adsorption.     

SOLUBLE ALUMINIUM AND CALCIUM-ALUMINIUM EXCHANGE IN RELATION TO THE pH OF DILUTE CALCIUM CHLORIDE SUSPENSIONS OF ACID SOILS

Measurements of pH and A1 concentration were made on 10^-2 M CaCl₂, suspensions of a number of acid soils that had been limed to give 3 range of pH values, and exchangeable A1 and Ca+Mg were determined in 1.0 M NH₄Cl extracts. The variation of pH with A1 concentration did not support the theory that pH is controlled by the solubility of Al(OH)₃. For some of the soils, proton release on hydrolysis of A1₃₊ions in solution accounted for the pH values, and explained quantitatively the variation of pH with the Ca:Al balance of the exchange complex, taking account of the selectivity coefficient for exchange, K_ca→A1 Although K_ca→A1 was smaller for soils containing more humus, their pH values were also less than those predicted by the hydrolysis of A1³⁺ in solution, indicating that they contained other sources of protons, presumably the carboxyl groups in humus.     

阴离子对可变电荷土壤吸附铜离子的影响机理

根据NO-3、Cl-和SO24-对可变电荷土壤和恒电荷土壤吸附Cu2+的影响的比较,探讨了阴离子对可变电荷土壤吸附Cu2+的影响机理。结果表明,当3种阴离子的浓度相同时,在SO24-体系中铁质砖红壤对Cu2+的吸附率较在NO3-和Cl-体系中大得多,而在浓度相同的3种阴离子体系中,黄棕壤对Cu2+的吸附率相差不大。在离子强度相近的NaCl体系中,砖红壤对Cu2+的吸附率相近。在3种阴离子体系中,随着pH升高,砖红壤对Cu2+的吸附率均增大;但在NO-3体系和Cl-体系中Cu2+的吸附率相近;而在SO24-体系中Cu2+的吸附率最大。随着Na2SO4浓度的增大,铁质砖红壤和砖红壤对Cu2+的吸附率减小。但在0.005 mol L-1和0.05 mol L-1Na2SO4体系中,Cu2+的吸附率大于在不含Na2SO4的体系中者。而在0.5 mol L-1Na2SO4体系中,Cu2+吸附率小于在不含Na2SO4体系中者。在3种浓度的Na2SO4体系中,黄棕壤对Cu2+的吸附率均小于在不含Na2SO4体系中者。总之,阴离子可通过离子强度、专性吸附和形成离子对影响土壤对Cu2+的吸附。在可变电荷土壤中,阴离子对Cu2+吸附的影响机理较在恒电荷土壤中复杂得多。     

EFFECTS OF CATION EXCHANGE MATERIAL ON ZINC ADSORPTION BY SOILS

The adsorption of Zn by soils which are different in their major cation-exchange materials was measured at equilibrium Zn concentrations up to 10^?2 M in 10^?2 to 10^?3 M CaCl₂. The results are interpreted on K^Zn_Ca[Zn]_soil plots, where K^Zn_Ca is the selectivity coefficient defined by the equation All natural samples except those containing halloysite exhibited no or very small specific Zn adsorption. All Ca-saturated samples exhibited specific Zn adsorption dependent on cation-exchange materials. The cation-exchange sites with high selectivities for Zn (K^Zn_Ca > 10) constitute more than 40 per cent of the total exchange sites in soils containing allophane, imogolite, and halloysite, whereas those with moderate to low selectivities for Zn (K^Za_Ca < 10) predominate in montmorillonitic, vermiculitic, and humic soils. Differences in the contribution of the respective cation-exchange materials to specific Zn adsorption are discussed relating to differences in the origin of their negative charge.     

Increase in Cation Adsorption Induced by Surface Complexation of Sulfate on Andisols and Prediction by “Four-Plane Model”

Abstract

The “Four-plane model” is one of the surface complexation models developed for analyzing the electrostatic charge of synthetic oxides. This model which was applied to the B horizon of Andisols, was equilibrated with an electrolyte solution containing KCl, KNO₃, K₂SO₄ in the concentration range of 0.0033, 0.01, 0.033, 0.1 M, and pH range of 2 to 11. The amounts of NO₃ ^-, Cl^-, SO₄ ^2-, and K⁺ adsorbed were determined from the products remaining in the liquid phase. The increase in the pH value results in the increase of K⁺ adsorption, and decrease of anion adsorption. The increase in the equilibrium concentration increased both K⁺ and anion adsorption. The parameters of the model were determined by measurements and the iterative method. The model have a good agreement between calculated and measured values of cation and anion adsorption. Among the anion species, the amount of adsorbed anions was in the order of SO₄ ^2-?Cl^->NO₃ ^-. The differences in the degree of adsorption were mainly associated with the differences in the equilibrium constants of surface complexation. The surface complexation of the anions produced a negative charge and increased cation adsorption. The degree of surface complexation was most significant in the K₂SO₄ solution, and the phenomenon was considered to be important not only for anion adsorption but also for cation adsorption on Andisols.     

Ionic equilibria,selectivity and diffusion of cations in soil as influenced by anion additions

Abstract

An experiment was carried under controlled conditions to investigate the influence of the anions, H₂PO₄ ^‐. and Cl on the ionic equilibria, selectivity and effective diffusion of Rb, K, Na, Ca, Mg in two Indiana soils.

Additon of anions to the soils increased the concentration of cations in soil solution. In both the soils receiving H₂PO₄ ^‐, lower cation concentrations were found in the soil solution than in those receiving Cl^‐ . Additon of H₂PO₄ ^‐and Cl^‐ reduced the ion selectivity coefficient, k, for various homovalent (Rb/K, Rb/Na, K/Na, Ca/Mg) and mono‐divalent ion pairs (Rb/Ca, Rb/Mg, K/Ca, K/Mg). In Zanesville soil treatments receiving H₂PO₄ ^‐ had lower k values for mono‐divalent cations than treatments receiving Cl^‐. However, no such conclusions could be drawn for Raub soil. Soils treated with H₂PO₄ ^‐ had higher k values for homovalent cations than Cl^‐ treated soils. The differences in the selectivity of adsorption in these two soils might be attributable to the differences in the type and nature of exchange materials and cation concentrations on the exchange phase.

Addition of H₂PO₄ ^‐ or Cl^‐ enhanced the magnitude of effective diffusion coefficient. (De) of all the cations under considerations. The magnitude of effective diffusion coefficient for cations was lower for H₂PO₄ ^‐ treated soils than Cl^‐ treated soils. Such a reduction in De is related to the reduction in cation concentration in soil solution thereby increasing the buffer capacity for the ions under consideration.     

A Comparison of Inorganic Solid Wastes as Adsorbents of Heavy Metal Cations in Aqueous Solution and Their Capacity for Desorption and Regeneration

The adsorption capacity of seven inorganic solid wastes [air-cooled blast furnace (BF) slag, water-quenched BF slag, steel furnace slag, coal fly ash, coal bottom ash, water treatment (alum) sludge and seawater-neutralized red mud] for Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cr³⁺ was determined at two metal concentrations (10 and 100 mg?L^?1) and three equilibrium pH values (4.0, 6.0 and 8.0) in batch adsorption experiments. All materials had the ability to remove metal cations from aqueous solution (fly and bottom ash were the least effective), their relative abilities were partially pH dependant and adsorption increased greatly with increasing pH. At equimolar concentrations of added metal, the magnitude of sorption at pH 6.0 followed the general order: Cr³⁺????Pb²⁺????Cu²⁺?>?Zn²⁺?=?Cd²⁺. The amounts of previously sorbed Pb and Cd desorbed in 0.01 M NaNO₃ electrolyte were very small, but those removed with 0.01 M HNO₃, and more particularly 0.10 M HNO₃, were substantial. Water treatment sludge was shown to maintain its Pb and Cd adsorption capability (pH 6.0) over eight successive cycles of adsorption/regeneration using 0.10 M HNO₃ as a regenerating agent. By contrast, for BF slag and red mud, there was a very pronounced decline in adsorption of both Pb and Cd after only one regeneration cycle. A comparison of Pb and Cd adsorption isotherms at pH 6.0 for untreated and acid-pre-treated materials confirmed that for water treatment sludge acid pre-treatment had no significant effect, but for BF slag and red mud, adsorption was greatly reduced. This was explained in terms of residual surface alkalinity being the key factor contributing to the high adsorption capability of the latter two materials, and acid pre-treatment results in neutralization of much of this alkalinity. It was concluded that acid is not a suitable regenerating agent for slags and red mud and that further research and development with water treatment sludge as a metal adsorbent are warranted.     

Calcium deficiency and CaCO3 on micronutrient status of plants grown in solution culture

Abstract

Plants were grown in solution culture with different levels of Ca to further evaluate Ca relationships to trace metal uptake and to toxicity of trace metals. When tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum L., Tropic) were grown at a low level of Ca, the Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Al, and Ti concentrations of leaves, stems, and roots were considerably increased. The use of an excess of CaCO₃ which increased pH did not influence the trace metal concentrations of plants any more than did Ca⁺⁺. In a factorial experiment with bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. C.V. Improved Tendergreen) with Ca (10^‐4,10^‐2, 10^‐2 N) and Ni (0, 2 × 10^‐6 M, 2 X10^‐5 M), Ni phytotoxicity and Ni uptake were decreased somewhat at the highest Ca level. High Ni tended to decrease the Ca concentration in leaves. High Ca and Ni both tended to decrease Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn concentrations in leaves. The Ni had some interactions on the P concentrations of shoots.     

Effect of organic matter on the parameters of the selective sorption of cobalt and zinc by soils and their clay fractions

The sorption and ion-exchange behavior of Co(II) and Zn in the soil-equilibrium solution system was studied for different types and varieties of native soils and their clay fractions before and after mild oxidation with H₂O₂ to remove the organic carbon. The parameters of the ion-exchange adsorption and the selectivity coefficients of the (Co(II), Zn)/Ca ion exchange were determined using different models for describing the relationship between the dissolved and sorbed forms of the metals. These were the empirical Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms and the model of the ion-exchange adsorption based on the acting mass law. It was found that the soil organic matter played an important role in the selectivity of the ion-exchange adsorption of Co(II) and Zn by the soils and their clay fractions. This was confirmed by an abrupt decrease (to almost 1) of the selectivity coefficients of the Co²⁺/Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange after the treatment of the clay fraction with hydrogen peroxide.     

Yield,Nutrient Uptake,and Changes in Soil Chemical Properties as Influenced by Liming and Iron Application in Common Bean in a No-Tillage System

Soil acidity is the principal limiting factor in crop production in Oxisols, and deficiency of micronutrients has increased in recent years because of intensive cropping. A field experiment was conducted over three consecutive years to assess response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to lime and iron (Fe) applications on an Oxisol in a no-tillage system. Changes in selected soil chemical properties in the soil profile (0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm depths) with liming were also determined. Lime rates used were 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha^–1, and Fe application rates were 0, 50, 100, 150 200, and 400 kg ha^–1. Both lime and Fe were applied as broadcast and incorporated in the soil. Grain yields of common bean were significantly increased with the application of lime. Iron application, however, did not influence bean yield. There were significant changes in soil profile (0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm depths) in pH, calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), hydrogen + aluminum (H⁺ + Al³⁺), base saturation, acidity saturation, cation exchange capacity (CEC), Ca²⁺ saturation, Mg²⁺ saturation, potassium (K⁺) saturation, and ratios of Ca/Mg, Ca/K, and Mg/K. These soil chemical properties had significant positive association with common bean grain yield. Averaged across two depths and three crops, common bean produced maximum grain yield at pH_w 6.3, Ca²⁺ 3.8 cmol_c kg^–1, Mg²⁺ 1.1 cmol_c kg^–1, 3.5 H⁺ + Al³⁺ cmol_c kg^–1, acidity saturation 41.8%, CEC 7.5 cmol_c kg^–1, base saturation 57.4%, Ca saturation 45.2%, Mg saturation 14.2%, K saturation 9.1%, Ca/Mg ratio 3.1, Ca/K ratio 22.6, and Mg/K ratio 6.7.     

K/Ca and NH4/Ca selectivity of hydroxyaluminum-interlayered vermiculite and montmorillonite: Contribution from regular and frayed edge exchange sites

Cation distribution in adsorbed and solution phases and their mobility in the soil profile are largely influenced by the cation exchange capacity and selectivity coefficient of the soil. Vermiculites (Vt) and montmorillonites (Mt) in acid soils and sediments are frequently interlayered by hydroxyaluminum (HyA). Such interlayering causes significant changes in various properties of Vt and Mt. We evaluated the contribution of HyA-induced frayed edge sites (FES) in Vt and Mt to the overall selectivity of K/Ca and NHJCa. A more preferential adsorption and exchange of K to Ca was observed in the case of Vt in contrast to Mt. The overall K/Ca selectivity of Vt increased markedly by HyA-interlayering, whereas that of Mt was slightly affected. An increased overall K/Ca selectivity, especially of Vt was also observed due to the larger amount of HyA adsorption at higher initial basicity of the HyA ionic solution. Selective adsorption of K and NH₄ predominantly occurred on the FES. Interlayering substantially enhanced such FES contribution. The overall K/Ca and NH₄/Ca selectivity coefficients did not indicate any striking competitiveness of NH₄ with K, unlike that for the natural micaceous clay minerals. However, the parameter of FES contribution suggested that NH₄ could be slightly more competitive with K for the FES. The relative abundance of FES on different clay specimens determining K/Ca and NH₄/Ca selectivity and a slightly higher preference of NH₄ to K on FES played a major role at low K or NH₄-saturation.     

Removal of Cu2+ and Cd2+ from Aqueous Solution by Bentonite Clay Modified with Binary Mixture of Goethite and Humic Acid

Pre-modification of bentonite clay with goethite, humic acid, and a binary mixture of goethite and humic acid reagents increased its cation exchange capacity from 95 to 105.32, 120.4, and 125.8 meq/100 g of bentonite clay, respectively. The effective pre-modification of bentonite clay with goethite, humic acid, and goethite–humic acid reagents was confirmed from their Fourier transform infrared spectra which suggested that modification was effective on the AlAlOH and Si–O sites for goethite and humic acid modification and AlAlOH for goethite–humic acid modification. The presence of 0.001 M NaNO₃ electrolyte increased the adsorption capacity of bentonite clay. Temperature was observed to favor the adsorption of Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ onto both the raw and modified bentonite clay samples. The goethite–humic acid-modified bentonite gave the best adsorption capacity of ≈10 and 16 mg/g at 30 and 50°C, respectively, for both metal ions. The inner sphere complexation mechanism was suggested for the adsorption of both metal ions onto the modified adsorbents. Modifying bentonite clay with a binary mixture of goethite and humic acid reduced the selectivity of bentonite clay for either Cu²⁺ or Cd²⁺. Preadsorbed goethite and humic acid on bentonite clay will further reduce the mobility of heavy metal ions in soils and in aquatic environments.     

影响土壤浸提液电导率的化学因素及其强度研究

Time series bioaccumulation of rare earth elements （REEs） in field-grown wheat with and without a dressing of extraneous REE fertilizer at different growth stages and fractionation of REEs during their transport in a soil-wheat system were determined. Time-dependent accumulation of extraneous REEs was found in different parts of wheat. An upward transport of extraneous REEs from roots to shoots under a soil dressing and a downward transport from leaves to roots with a foliar dressing were also observed. Moreover, fractionation of REEs occurred in the soil-wheat system. Compared to the host soil a positive Eu anomaly in the stems and grains as well as heavy REE enrichment in the grains were found. The ability of the different wheat organs to fractionate Eu from the REE series was ranked in the order of sterns 〉 grains 〉 leaves 〉 roots.     

电解质对酸性土壤铝的溶解及铝形态在土壤溶液中的分布的影响

KCl, CaCl₂, NH₄Cl, NaCl, K₂SO₄ and KF solutions were used for studying the effects of cations and anions on the dissolution of aluminum and the distribution of aluminum forms respectively. Power of exchanging and releasing aluminum of four kinds of cations was in the decreasing order Ca²⁺ >K⁺ >NH₄⁺ >Na⁺. The dissolution of aluminum increased with the cation concentration. The adsorption affinity of various soils for aluminum was different. The aluminum in the soil with a stronger adsorption affinity was difficult to be exchanged and released by cations. The Al-F complexes were main species of inorganic aluminum at a low concentration of cations, while Al³⁺ became major species of inorganic aluminum at a high concentration of cations. The results on the effect of anions indicated that the concentrations of total aluminum, three kinds of inorganic aluminum (Al³⁺, Al-F and Al-OH complexes) and organic aluminum complexes (Al-OM) when SO₄^2- was added into soil suspension were lower than those when Cl^- was added. The dissolution of aluminum from soils and the distribution of aluminum forms in solution were affected by the adsorption of F^- on the soil. For soils with strong affinity for F^-, the concentrations of the three inorganic aluminum species in soil solution after addition of F^- were lower than those after addition of Cl^-; but for soils with weak affinity for F^-, the concentrations of Al³⁺ and Al-OM were lower and the concentrations of Al-F complexes and total inorganic aluminum after addition of F^- were higher than those after addition of Cl^-. The increase of F^- concentration in soil solution accelerated the dissolution of aluminum from soils.     

Chemical Composition of Precipitation in Beijing Area, Northern China

Variations of anions (SO₄ ^2-, NO₃ ^-,NO₂ ^-, Cl^- and F^-),cations (K⁺,Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and ⁺) and pH values in precipitation, througfall and stemflow samples collected overa four-year period (1995–1998) in Beijing (two sitesZhongguancun and Mangshan) are presented. The annualvolume-weighted range of pH values were 6.57–7.11 inprecipitation, 5.46–6.86 in thoughfall and 5.32–6.41 instemflow. The fominant anion was , while Ca⁺and NH₄ ⁺ were the main cations in precipitation,throughfall and stemflow. Most of ion concentrations with precipitation, throughfall and stemflow volume showed negative correlation, except for some ones. Significant correlationvalues were also found between ions (SO₄ ^2-,NO₃ ^-, Cl^-, F^-, Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺ andNa⁺) in precipitation, throughfall and stemflow indicatedthe common sources of these ions such as coal combustion,automobile emission and fertilizers application. Compared toprecipitation, there was an increased ion concentration inthroughfall or in stemflow. Changes of ion concentrations werein Quercus liatungensis Koiz. and Pinus tabulaefornisCarr. throughfall (or stemflow) because of different crown andbark qualities of tree species.     

有机修饰(土娄)土对CrO42-吸附特征的初步研究

以CTMAB（十六烷基三甲基溴化铵）单一修饰和CTMAB＋SDS（十二烷基磺酸钠）混合修饰塿土耕层、粘化层土样，从修饰比例、土层、温度角度探讨了有机修饰塿土对CrO4^2-的平衡吸附特征。结果表明，各供试土样中CrO4^2-平衡吸附量均随CrO4^2-平衡浓度增高而增大，有机修饰土对CrO4^2-的吸附等温线呈现L型等温线形式，原土土样的吸附等温线基本上类似于S型吸附等温线形式，两层次各土样对CrO4^2-的吸附量呈现100CB〉120CS〉50CB〉CK的顺序（100，120，50分别表示修饰比例为100，100＋20，50；CB为CTMAB修饰；cs为CTMAB＋SDS修饰；CK为未修饰原土）；随着平衡浓度的增大，耕层原土对CrO4^2-的吸附能力增加较快而粘化层原土增加较慢，塿土粘化层修饰土样对CrO4^2-的平衡吸附量均高于塿土耕层土样，但修饰比例增高导致两层次土样对CrO4^2-吸附亲和力的差异减小；未修饰原土对CrO4^2-吸附呈现增温效应，粘化层CK土样增温效应高于耕层CK土样，表明增温促进粘粒矿物对CrO4^2-的专性吸附。随平衡浓度的增大，修饰土样CrO4^2-吸附温度效应比值均变化不大，耕层各修饰土样对CrO4^2-吸附呈现增温负效应，而粘化层修饰土样对CrO4^2-吸附的温度效应则与修饰剂和修饰比例有关。     

REACTIONS OF AMMONIA WITH SOIL. I

Heats of adsorption and adsorption isotherms of ammonia gas were measured at 300 K (27 °C) on outgassed soil saturated with Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, Ca²⁺, or Mg²⁺ ions. The Ca and Mg soils adsorbed apparently one more NH₂ molecule per exchangeable ion than the Na and K soils, mostly in the relative pressure range o to 0.005, but not much more than the NH₄ soil. The initial heat of adsorption was c. 75 kJ mol^-1 on the Ca and Mg soils and c. 60 kJ mol^-1 on the other soils. The results suggest that most NH, is sorbed on these soils through reactions not involving exchangeable cations.     

KINETICS OF ION EXCHANGE IN SOIL ORGANIC MATTER. IV. ADSORPTION AND DESORPTION OF Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+ AND Ca2+ BY PEAT

The equilibria as well as the rates of adsorption and desorption of the ions Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ca²⁺ by soil organic matter were determined in batch experiments as a function of the amount of metal ions added to an aqueous suspension of HCl-washed peat. Simultaneous determination of the metal ions and hydrogen ions in the solution by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and pH-measurements showed that the adsorption of one divalent metal ion by peat was coupled with the release of two hydrogen ions. Since this equivalent ion-exchange process causes a corresponding increase of the electric conductivity of the solution, the rates of the adsorption and desorption processes were determined by an immersed conductivity electrode. The distribution coefficients show that the selective order for the metal adsorption by peat is Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Cd²⁺≌ Zn²⁺ > Ca²⁺ in the pH range of 3·5 to 4·5. The slope of -2, as observed in a double logarithmic plot of the distribution coefficients versus the total solution concentration confirms the equivalence of the ion-exchange process of divalent metal ions for monovalent H₃O⁺ -ions in peat. The absolute rates of adsorption, as well as the rates for the fractional attainment of the equilibrium, increase with increasing amounts of metal ions added. This behaviour is also observed for the subsequent desorption of the metal ions by H₃O⁺-ions. At a given amount of metal ions added, the absolute rates of adsorption decrease in the order Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Ca²⁺, while the rates for the fractional attainment of the equilibrium decrease in the order Ca²⁺ > Zn²⁺≌ Cd²⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺. The half times for adsorption and desorption were in the range of 5 to 15 sec.