Natural Attenuation of Trace Element Availability in Soils

Abstract

Understanding attenuation processes is important not only for predicting the behavior of contaminants in soil and formulating remediation strategies, but also for mitigating and enhancing the availability of micronutrients in soil for agricultural applications. Natural Attenuation of Trace Element Availability in Soils brings together pioneering researchers who discuss their cutting-edge work in this area. The first chapters focus on practical analytical techniques for the measurement and the biological assessment of natural attenuation of trace elements. The following chapters analyze the processes that occur in the natural attenuation of contaminants and nutrients, covering the structural dynamics of mineral surfaces, partitioning, diffusion, fixation, biological and redox processes, and the reversibility of these processes. The remaining chapters consider the impact and implications of natural attenuation in terms of risk assessment, remediation of inorganic contaminants, and bioavailability of essential nutrients. Offering a concise, well-rounded perspective, Natural Attenuation of Trace Element Availability in Soils demonstrates how attenuation processes can significantly impact strategies for soil remediation and serve as a basis for environmental regulations.