The adsorption of Zn in presence of Cd and vice-versa was studied on 14 surface soil samples, differing widely in their physical and chemical characteristics. The results indicate that Zn adsorption maximum values in all the soils decreased in both untreated as well as Casaturated soil systems in presence of Cd as compared with one in absence of Cd. The presence of Cd was instrumental in decreasing selectivity coefficient values in both untreated as well as Ca-saturated soil systems. Similar to Zn, Cd adsorption maximum values and Cd selectivity coefficient decreased in presence of Zn in both untreated as well as Ca-saturated soil systems.
Adsorption, zinc, cadmium, adsorption maxima, selectivity coefficient
