Geochemical Equilibrium Modeling in Soils and Sediments

Geochemical Equilibrium Modeling in Soils and Sediments provides a systematic examination of the application of thermodynamic principles to chemical reactions of elements in soils. Classical thermodynamic concepts are introduced, providing a theoretical foundation. Equilibrium reactions are then discussed element-by-element in order of decreasing average abundance in the solid phase of soils and sediments. Solid phase transitions, dissolution, volatilization, and aqueous speciation are investigated in detail, with each chapter giving readers greater depth of understanding of these complex systems.The book represents a modernization of the approach to geochemical modeling, updating thermodynamic data and focusing on reactions that are known to occur at the solid-solution interface in soil and sediment environments. Readers are shown how these developments are integrated into geochemical modeling and how to interpret geochemical modeling results. The tools in this book will further allow readers to understand the interactions among elements, predict solubility as the physical environment changes, and give them the means to anticipate chemical and biological lability in response to perturbations. - Discusses chemical equilibrium concepts applied to soils and sediments to explain trends in mineral transformation, aqueous transformations, and retention of contaminants in soils - Systematically organizes elements in order of decreasing total concentrations, providing a logical approach to determining solubility controls - Explains trends in mineral transformation, aqueous transformations, and in the retention of contaminants in soils