EFFECT OF CONTAMINANTS ON THE ENGINEERING

BEHAVIOUR OF SOILS AND THEIR GOVERNING MECHANISMS

G.Manojkumar1: Research Scholar, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University,Chennai, India, E-mail: manojkumargad@gmail.com
M.Muttharam2: Professor of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering,Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India, E-
mail:muttharam@annauniv.edu.
ABSTRACT:
The presence of heavy metals in soil is on the rise everywhere along with the growing
industrialisation and urbanisation. Excessive amounts of heavy metals such as lead, copper,
chromium, cadmium, and arsenic affect the environment and also change the geotechnical
properties of soil. These changes alter the characteristics of structures constructed on or under
the contaminated soil. As the land availability is becoming increasingly scarce, there is a need
to utilise the contaminated soil for construction purposes after knowing the possible impacts
of contaminants on the engineering behaviour of soil, and then optimizing the design and
safety of structures accordingly. This study aims to advance the understanding of the impact
of contaminants on the engineering properties of soil. It chose three heavy metal
contaminants: lead, copper, and chromium. It analysed the effect of these heavy metals on the
geotechnical properties of black cotton soil by exposing the soil to each heavy metal
contaminants at concentrations of 500 ppm, 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm for a period of 7 days,
14 days and 28 days, in lab environments. In addition, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
tests were done on the contaminated soil to find the residual concentration of lead, copper,
and chromium in 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 2000 ppm concentrations involving a curing
period of 30 days. Through these tests, the study found prominent qualitative and quantitative
changes in soil properties due to heavy metal contamination. These findings can be used for
the design and analysis of substructures in the contaminated soil.
Key Words: Heavy metals, contaminated soil, virgin black cotton soil, Geotechnical
properties& Curing period.

INTRODUCTION:
Soil is among our most significant natural resources because of its position in the
landscape and its dynamic, physical, chemical and biological functions. When the soil
accumulates heavy metals beyond a level, it becomes contaminated. The term ‘heavy
metal’states to any metallic chemical component that has a relatively high density and is toxic
or poisonous at low concentrations. Heavy metals are generally defined as those having a
specific density of more than 5 g/cm3. Heavy metals show metallic properties such as
malleability, ductility, cation stability, conductivity, and ligand specificity. They are also
considered by relatively high atomic weight with an atomic number greater than 20.
Soils accumulate heavy metals in two ways: One is natural and the other
anthropogenic. Examples of natural sources of contamination include: seepage from rocks
into water, volcanic activity, and forest fires. However, heavy metals from these natural
sources rarely reach toxic levels. The primary source of heavy metal contamination is
anthropogenic that include consumerist lifestyle, emissions from the rapidly expanding
industrial activities, mine tailings, disposal of high metal wastes, leaded gasoline, paints, land
application of fertilizers, animal manures, sewage sludge, pesticides, wastewater irrigation,
coal combustion residues, spillage of petrochemicals, and so on. Thus, contamination
happens throughout economic activities and life cycles of products - from production, usage,
and disposal.
Soil contamination is not only harmful for the subsurface water aquifers but also for
structures existing on it. Any changes in the engineering properties and behaviour of soil
strata may lead to a loss of bearing capacity, an increase in total or differential settlement of
foundation system of structures, leading ultimately to failure of structures. In India, the
prominent heavy metal contaminants are lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, copper and
aluminium. Many urban and dense Indian cities with significant industrial waste generation
have been found to have contaminated soil. (CPCB, 2009).

Sources of heavy metals:

Lead is produced from the production of lead acid batteries, paints, E-waste, Smelting
operations, coal- based thermal power plants, ceramics, bangle industry and they are found in
Ratlam of Madhya Pradesh, Bandalamottu Mines of Andhra Pradesh, Vadodara of Gujarat.
Copper is made from the industry of Mining, electroplating, smelting operations and they are
originated from Singbhum Mines, Jharkhand, Malanjkahnd, Madhya Pradesh. Chromium is
generated from the industry of mining, industrial coolants; chromium salts manufacturing and
leather tanning, they are initiated in Ranipet of Tamilnadu, Kanpur of Uttar Pradesh,
Vadodara, Talcher of Orissa.
Mukesh Singh et al.(2018) analysed heavy metals of soil samples collected from 10
different areas of a cement industry in Rewa District in Madhya Pradesh using Atomic
absorption spectrometers. The study proved that heavy metal contamination in the industrial
area was caused primarily by anthropogenic activities. Arpita V Patel.(2014) analysed the
geotechnical properties of black cotton soil, procured from Surat, and artificially
contaminated with Barium (Ba), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt
(Co), Vanadium (V), and Strontium (Sr). The study found that the contamination decreased
the specific gravity and optimum moisture content, liquid limit, plastic limit, and maximum
dry density of the soil. Malathy et al.(2013) carried out comprehensive lab studies on
contaminated soil with varying concentrations of lead, saturated for different curing periods.
The study found the dominating mechanism governing the adsorption of metals by soil,
which was the affinity of the negatively-charged soil surface for the positively charged metal.
The research also established that high concentrations of lead reduced the diffuse double
layer thickness, liquid limit, plastic limit, and shrinkage limit of the soil. Resmi et al.(2011)
studied the effect of lead contamination on the index and engineering properties of two types
of clayey soils. The study involved soil contamination with different concentrations of lead.
The adsorption of lead by the soil resulted in the displacement of H+ ions, and flocculation.
These changes in turn reduced the strength of the soil and increased the coefficient of
permeability. The swelling properties of the soil too came down. Jayashree et al.(2002)
studied the quality of soils with reference to Zn, Pb, Fe, Mn and organic carbon, using 19
different soil samples taken from the Eastern Guwahati Industrial Zone. The study found that
the top soils were heavily contaminated with heavy metals and the contaminations had
affected the soil properties with respect to organic matter, and pH levels.

Heavy metals are found to exist in soil either as separate entities or as combined soil
components - that is, heavy metals can combine with various soil components such as
exchangeable ions that are sorbed on the surfaces of inorganic solids, non-exchangeable ions,
insoluble inorganic metal compounds (examples: carbonates and phosphates), soluble metal
compounds, free metal ions, and metals of organic matter and silicate materials. The
presence of heavy metals varies from soil to soil, depending on factors such as soil pH, the
density of soil, type of charge in soil colloids, degree of complexation with ligands, and
relative surface area. The concentrations of the heavy metals depend on the soil’s adsorption
property, which comes from the organic matter present in the soil. The functional groups of
the organic matter like phenolic group are capable of complexing with heavy metals.
Environmental factors like land use, temperature, and rainfall can change the content of the
organic matter and concentration of heavy metals.

The adverse impacts of heavy metal contaminants on the index and engineering
properties of the soil is not widely studied when compared to the environmental degradation
or the agricultural or human health issues that arise out of heavy metal contamination of soil.
This comprehensive study is undertaken to find the impact of three different types of heavy
metal contaminants - namely, lead, copper, and chromium, - on the engineering properties of
black cotton soil, under lab environments. The study documents the variations in the
geotechnical properties - including shear strength, compressibility, permeability and
compaction capacity - of the contaminated soil against that of the virgin soil.

The study is based on the exposure of virgin soil to the 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 2000
ppm concentrations of the three aforementioned heavy metals separately for the duration of 7,
14, and 28 days. In addition, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer tests were done on the
contaminated black cotton soil to find the residual concentration of lead, copper, and
chromium in 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 2000 ppm concentrations involving a curing period of
30 days. The study finds that the level of contamination is closely associated with the
chemical composition of the contaminants and the physical properties of the soil. The
findings can help engineers to evaluate the characteristics and behaviour of contaminated soil
predictively, and optimize the safety and stability of the structures they design on or below
the contaminated soil.

In the context of increasing scarcity of land, there is a need to make use of even
contaminated soil for construction if safety of the structures can be ensured. The objective of
the study is to understand the changes in the index and geotechnical / engineering properties
of soil - under lab environment, using scientific methods, after artificially contaminating the
soil with heavy metal contaminants at various concentrations and curing periods. The study
also aims to find the residual concentration of lead, copper, and chromium with varying
concentrations. The findings of the study should help engineers predict the possible
behavioural changes of heavy metal contaminated soil and incorporate safety measures to the
structures they build on or under contaminated soil.
MATERIALS & METHODS:
The study is based on black cotton soil and three heavy metal contaminants lead,
copper, and chromium. The representative disturbed black cotton soil samples for the purpose
of the study were acquired from Thirumangalam, Madurai. The soil samples were tested for
basic index properties as per IS 2720: 1991. The property of uncontaminated soil is tabulated
in table 1. The analytical reagent grade salts of lead nitrate, copper sulphate, and chromium
nitrate were procured to make the solutions of lead, copper, and chromium respectively, and
in the required concentrations. The black cotton soils were taken in different polyethylene
bags, and were in turn kept in separate containers - one each for a heavy metal of a particular
concentration. The levels of concentrations of heavy metals taken for the study were 500
ppm, 1000 ppm, and 2000 ppm. These artificially contaminated soils were subjected to the
curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. Comparable tests were done also for uncontaminated
soils. After the curing periods, the index and geotechnical / engineering properties of the
contaminated soils were analysed. The analyses were done for consistency limits, free swell
index, compressibility characters, and permeability, among others, as per IS 2770:1991 -
Parts 5, 6, 10. 15 & 40.
 Table 1 Properties of uncontaminated soil

Property Value
Specific gravity 2.64
Particle size analysis
Sand % 19
Silt % 28
Clay % 53
Atterberg’s Limits
Liquid Limit % 82
Plastic Limit % 39
Plasticity Index % 43
Shrinkage Limit % 15
IS Classification CH
Differential free swell index
F.S.I % 63.15
Chemical Properties
pH 8.14
Organic matter % 2.25
Cation exchange capacity mq/100 g 17.38
Compaction test results
Optimum moisture content % 19
Maximum Dry Density g/cc 1.661
Other Properties
Electrical Conductivity (ms/cm) 0.721
Table 1 summarizes various index properties of uncontaminated soil. The specific
gravity of uncontaminated soil is 2.64. The uncontaminated soil is composed of 19% of sand
and 81% of fines. The clay content is found to be 53%. As per IS classification the soil is
classified as clay of high plasticity (CH). The maximum dry density at standard Proctor
energy is 1.67 g/cc and the optimum moisture content of the uncontaminated soil is found to
be 19%.
In addition, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer tests were also done on the contaminated
black cotton soil. For this purpose, the soils were soaked in the solutions of each heavy metal
contaminant separately. The concentrations for all three contaminants were 500 ppm, 1000
ppm and 2000 ppm. The soaked soils were left undisturbed for adsorption - barring
occasional stirring, for 30 days. After the curing period, the contaminated soils were taken
out of the solution. They were then dried, and powdered to pass through 4.25 micron IS sieve.
The soils thus collected were analysed for residual concentration of lead (Pb), cobber (Cu)
and chromium (Cr) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer, Model
2380). The results obtained are presented in the following section.

RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS:

Contamination by the methods of direct addition and saturation
Influence of Lead, copper and chromium on index properties of soil
The results of various tests on consistency limits are presented in Fig 1. The results
indicate that the addition of heavy metals - and the contamination periods - reduces the liquid
limit and plastic limit of the soils significantly. This is due to the reduction in the thickness in
the diffused double layer and may be considered as typical behaviour of clays as the liquid
limit of these soils varies directly with the thickness of the diffuse double layer surrounding
the clay particles (Mitchell, 1993). Also, as the concentration of heavy metal increases, the
soil-metal interaction promotes particle flocculation. The major mechanism which causes
particle flocculation and reduction in diffused double layer is adsorption. It can also be said
that the naturally abundant cations adsorbed on to the negatively charged clay surface are
exchanged with heavy metals like lead, copper and chromium. Shrinkage limit is found to
increase in contamination with lead, copper and chromium.
Table 2. Variation of consistency limits of contaminated soil (Method of Direct
Addition)

It was also observed that the values of consistency limits were not appreciably affected at low
concentrations of heavy metals. Results obtained indicate that when the soil was
contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals, the diffuse double layer thickness
decreases. This in turn results in the reduction in liquid limit, plastic limit and shrinkage limit.
Free Swell Index of contaminated soil:

The free swell index of uncontaminated and contaminated soil specimens was
determined as per Indian Standards (IS 2720 Part 40-1977) and the results are presented in
Table 3. Results obtained indicate that due to contamination, the free swell index of clayey
soils decreases. This also may be attributed to the reduction in the diffused double layer
thickness and is in line with the observed behaviour of the Atterberg Limits.

80 40
Liquid Limit (%)

Plastic Limit (%)

60 30

40 20

20 10

0 0
500 1000 2000 500 1000 2000
Concentrations (ppm) Concentrations (ppm)

20 50
Shrinkage Limit (%)

Plasticity Index (%)

15 40
30
10
20
5 10
0 0
500 1000 2000 500 1000 2000
Concentrations (ppm) Concentrations (ppm)

Fig 1. The results of various tests on consistency limit of soil for 7, 14 and 28 days of
contamination. (Method of Saturation)
 Lead Nitrate – 7 Days Copper Sulphate – 7 Days Chromium Nitrate – 7 Days
Lead Nitrate – 14 Days Copper Sulphate – 14 Days Chromium Nitrate – 14 Days
Lead Nitrate – 28 Days Copper Sulphate – 28 Days Chromium Nitrate – 28 Days

Influence of Lead, copper and chromium on engineering properties of soil

Unconfined compressive strength of contaminated soil:
Unconfined compressive strength tests are carried out for uncontaminated soil and lead,
copper and chromium contaminated soil for varying concentrations like 500ppm,1000ppm
and 2000ppm in accordance with IS:27201991.Conidering the maximum dry density and
optimum moisture content of the soil, the unconfined compressive strength tests were
conducted for the prepared samples of varying concentration of contaminated soil. Here the
moisture content of the uncontaminated soil is kept constant throughout the testing. The
unconfined compression strength is determined at the strain rate of 0.005mm/min.
Figure.1 shows the stress-strain characteristics of soil with increasing concentration of
contaminants. It is clear from the graph, that there is a significant increase in UCC strength
with increasing concentration of lead, copper and chromium. The increase in the UCS of the
contaminated soil is attributed to change in fabric arrangement. It can also be said that the
cohesion of the heavy metals contaminated soil increases .Here it is vital to note that there is
a rapid increase in strength for concentrations ranging from 500ppm to 1000ppm. But there is
a sudden decrease in strength when the concentration increases from 1000 to 2000ppm.The
UCC strength of soil keeps decreasing with increasing percentage of these metals behind
2000ppm.Table 4 summarizes the variation of UCC strength values on varying concentration
of lead, copper and chromium with different contamination periods.
2.5 3 3.5

2.5 3
2
Stress kg/sq.cm

Stress kg/sq.cm
Stress kg/sq.cm

2.5
2
1.5 0 ppm 0 ppm 2 0 ppm
1.5
1 500 ppm 500 ppm 1.5 500 ppm
1
1000 ppm 1000 ppm 1 1000 ppm
0.5 0.5
2000 ppm 2000 ppm 0.5 2000 ppm
0 0 0
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00
Strain (%) Strain (%) Strain (%)

Lead Nitrate- Contamination Periods - 7 Days Lead Nitrate- Contamination Periods - 14 Days Lead Nitrate- Contamination Periods - 28 Days
3 3 3.5

2.5 2.5 3
Stress kg/sq.cm

Stress kg/sq.cm
Stress kg/sq.cm

2.5
2 2
0 ppm 0 ppm 2 0 ppm
1.5 1.5
500 ppm 500 ppm 1.5 500 ppm
1 1
1000 ppm 1000 ppm 1 1000 ppm
0.5 0.5 2000 ppm 0.5 2000 ppm
2000 ppm
0 0 0
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00
Strain (%) Strain (%) Strain (%)

Copper Sulphate- Contamination Periods - 7 Days Copper Sulphate - Contamination Periods - 14 Days Copper Sulphate- Contamination Periods - 28 Days
2 2.5 3.00

2 2.50
Stress kg/sq.cm
Stress kg/sq.cm

Stress kg/sq.cm

1.5
2.00
0 ppm 1.5 0 ppm 0 ppm
1 1.50
500 ppm 1 500 ppm 500 ppm
1.00
0.5 1000 ppm 1000 ppm 1000 ppm
0.5 0.50
2000 ppm 2000 ppm 2000 ppm
0 0 0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00
Strain (%) Strain (%) Strain (%)

Chromium Nitrate- Contamination Periods - 7 Days Chromium Nitrate- Contamination Periods - 14 Days Chromium Nitrate- Contamination Periods - 28 Days

Figure 2. Stress-strain characteristics of soil with increasing concentration of contaminants

Table 3. Variation of engineering properties of contaminated soil (Method of Direct
Addition)
qu= Unconfined compression Test of Soil (Kpa), Cv= Coefficient of Consolidation (cm2/sec x
104), k = Coefficient of permeability(cm/secx108), c = Cohesiveness (kPa), Ф = Angle of
Internal friction (degrees)
Table 4. Variation of engineering properties on varying concentration of lead, copper
and chromium with different contamination period (Method of Saturation)

qu= Unconfined compression Test of Soil (Kpa), Cv= Coefficient of Consolidation (cm2/sec x
104), k = Coefficient of permeability(cm/secx108), c = Cohesiveness (kPa), Ф = Angle of
Internal friction (degrees)
Direct Shear Test of contaminated soil:
Direct Shear tests were carried out using uncontaminated and contaminated soil
specimens. The water content was maintained at 26% and the re-moulding density at
15kN/m3. The maximum shear stress and corresponding longitudinal displacement readings
were obtained. It can be seen that the angle of internal friction and cohesiveness decreased
with increase in the level of contamination of these soils. The variation of cohesions and
angle of internal frictions on lead, copper and chromium with different contamination periods
are summarized in Table 4.

Consolidation Test of contaminated soil:

The contaminated and uncontaminated soil samples were remoulded in 6 cm diameter
and 2 cm high consolidation rings at a density of 15kN/m3, at remoulding water content of
26%. Load increment rate was maintained as unity during the tests. Each load increment was
kept for a sufficiently long period so that consolidation is complete. Void ratio
corresponding to each load P was calculated. The results for rate of consolidation from the
tests for various concentrations of lead, copper and chromium were tabulated in Table 4. It is
observed that the void ratio decreases with increase in the concentration of lead, copper and
chromium in the clayey soil. This may be due to reduction in the diffused double layer
thickness with increase in the concentration of heavy metals in the soil. According to the
double layer theory, the thickness of the double layer decreases with an increase in cation
valence and concentration, leading to a decrease in void ratio.
The coefficient of consolidation (Cv) shows the combined effect of permeability and
compressibility of a soil on the rate of volume change. Cv was determined by plotting the
time Vs dial gauge reading and adopting the delta vs t method proposed by Taylor in 1958.
The values indicate that the coefficient of consolidation, Cv increases with increase in sorbed
concentration of lead, copper and chromium. However, the rate of consolidation is not
appreciably affected by the level of contamination with heavy metals.

Permeability test of contaminated soil:

The coefficient of permeability was determined from the consolidation test using one
dimensional consolidation theory. The coefficient of permeability, k corresponding to 100kPa
was determined for both the uncontaminated soil and lead contaminated soil. The results
obtained are summarized in Table 4. The coefficient of permeability of contaminated soil was
found to be increasing with increase in the concentration of lead, copper and chromium in the
soil.

Influence of Lead, copper and chromium on chemical properties of soil:

pH test of contaminated soil:
The hydrogen ion concentration is an important quality parameter of natural water and
waste water. Knowing the soil pH helps identify the kinds of chemical reactions that are
likely to take place in the soil. Most of the soils are generally alkaline due to the presence of
carbonates. Soil pH or soil reaction is an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of soil and is
measured in pH units. Soil pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion
concentration. Potentiometrically, it is found that the pH of the uncontaminated soil is 8.4.
After saturating the soil sample in lead nitrate, copper sulphate and chromium nitrate
solutions, the pH of the contaminated soil was found to be higher. The pH values of the soil
may change due to biologically activity, temperature and disposal of waste. The pH values
are tabulated in Table 5 and 6.
Electrical Conductivity test of contaminated soil:
Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measurement of the dissolved material in an aqueous
solution, which relates to the ability of the material to conduct electrical current through it.
EC is measured in units called Seimens per unit area (e.g. mS/cm, or miliSeimens per
centimetre), and the higher the dissolved materials in a water or soil sample the higher the EC
will be in that material. A constant voltage is applied across the electrodes resulting in
an electrical current flowing through the aqueous sample. Since the current flowing through
the water is proportional to the concentration of dissolved ions in the water, the electrical
conductivity can be measured. By conducting the experiment, it is found that the electrical
conductivity of the uncontaminated soil sample is 0.782 ms/cm. The higher the dissolved
conductivity of the soils were found to be as 0.856 ms/cm, 0.864ms/cm and 0.883 ms/cm for
lead, copper and chromium contaminated solutions respectively. The higher the dissolved
salt/ion concentration, the more conductive the sample and hence the higher the conductivity
reading.
Table 5. Variation of Chemical properties of contaminated soil (Method of Direct
Addition)

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL SAMPLE: METHOD OF

DIRECT ADDITION
Lead Nitrate Copper Sulphate Chromium Nitrate
Concentrations
(ppm) EC EC EC
pH pH pH
(mS/cm) (mS/cm) (mS/cm)
0 8.4 0.782 8.4 0.782 8.4 0.782
500 8.7 0.796 8.8 0.791 8.6 0.805
1000 8.9 0.812 8.9 0.821 8.9 0.846
2000 9.2 0.856 9.3 0.864 9.1 0.883

Table 6.Variation of chemical properties on varying concentration of lead, copper and

chromium with different contamination period (Method of Saturation).
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES - METHOD OF SATURATION
Lead Nitrate Copper Sulphate Chromium Nitrate
Concentr Contamination Periods (Days) Contamination Periods (Days) Contamination Periods (Days)
ations Electrical Electrical Electrical
(ppm) pH Conductivity pH Conductivity pH Conductivity
(mS/cm) (mS/cm) (mS/cm)
7 14 28 7 14 28 7 14 28 7 14 28 7 14 28 7 14 28
0 8.4 8.4 8.4 0.782 0.782 0.782 8.4 8.4 8.4 0.782 0.782 0.782 8.4 8.4 8.4 0.782 0.782 0.782
500 8.8 8.9 9.2 0.809 0.819 0.823 8.9 9.1 9.5 0.808 0.825 0.842 8.8 9.4 9.8 0.812 0.829 0.851
1000 9.1 9.3 9.5 0.826 0.846 0.872 9.3 9.5 9.6 0.819 0.853 0.876 9.2 9.4 9.7 0.832 0.867 0.896
2000 9.4 9.7 9.8 0.875 0.882 0.891 9.6 9.8 10.1 0.871 0.879 0.898 9.3 9.5 9.9 0.872 0.885 0.892
The governing mechanism leading the adsorption of metals in a porous medium is the affinity
of the soil for the positively charged metal. The adsorption mechanism is usually ion
exchange, whereby naturally abundant cations such as those among Group I and II, including
H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ etc, which adsorb onto the negatively charged clay surface, are
exchanged with heavy metals like lead, Copper and Chromium.The test results were
compared with virgin soil and it was found that both pH and electrical conductivity increased
gradually.

Table 7 Amount of Lead, Copper and Chromium Absorbed

AMOUNT OF LEAD, COPPER AND CHROMIUM
ABSORBED
Amount of Amount of
Amount of
Concentrations copper chromium
lead absorbed
(ppm) absorbed absorbed
(mg/gm)
(mg/gm) (mg/gm)
500 5.219 6.074 5.412
1000 9.876 11.563 10.279
2000 18.712 19.224 18.546

DOMINATING MECHANISMS:
Lead, Copper and Chromium are strongly adsorbed to soil particles and therefore have very
little mobility relative to other trace metals. As a result of this limited mobility, applied
metals tend to accumulate in soil. Soil types have finite holding capacities for lead, copper
and chromium ions, factors that influence the availability of lead, copper and chromium in
soils are pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter content, presence of oxides of
iron, manganese, and aluminium, the capacity of soil to adsorb these metals increased with
increasing pH, with a maximum holding capacity at neutral to slightly alkaline conditions
(pH 6.7–7.8). Furthermore, soils with alkaline conditions tend to favour precipitation of lead,
copper and chromium; thus, these metals are more mobile under acidic than alkaline
conditions.In general, the higher the CEC, the greater the amount of metal it can adsorb. The
CEC is influenced by the type and amount of clay present, the amount of organic matter
present, and the pH of the soil. Lead, Copper and Chromium have a very high affinity for
organic matter and are more strongly bound than other trace elements.
CONCLUSIONS:
A series of laboratory tests were conducted in order to find out the effect of index,
engineering and chemical properties on lead, copper and chromium contaminated soils. Tests
were conducted in such a way that considering different concentrations of contaminants as
well as different curing periods. It was found that various index, engineering and chemical
properties were affected due to the adsorption of heavy metals into soil. As the concentration
of the metal solution increases, the amount of adsorbed also increases to certain extent. Since
adsorption of heavy metal in clayey soils causes flocculation and an increase in the strength
characteristics of the soil. Distinct changes in soil properties were noticed for clayey soils
contaminated with higher concentrations of lead, copper and chromium contaminated soil.
The conclusions drawn from the current study are summarized below. Contamination of
clayey soils with lead, copper and chromium causes

 Contamination of clayey soils with heavy metals cause reduction in liquid limit,
plastic limit and Shrinkage limit was also getting decreased, but there is no
appreciable reduction.

 By comparing the free swell index values of uncontaminated and contaminated soil
samples, it was found that contamination of clayey soil with heavy metals reduce the
swelling properties.

 Contamination period enhances the strength of contaminated soil. Higher the

percentage of heavy metals in soil, higher was the enhancement in UCC
strength for varying the contamination period.

 Strength of clayey soils decreases as a result of contamination of soil with heavy

metals.

 The coefficient of consolidation increases with increase in the sorbed concentration of

lead, copper and chromium.

 Contamination with lead, copper and chromium significantly increases the

permeability of clayey soil.

 Adsorption of lead, copper and chromium in clayey soil causes displacement of

H+ions and results in flocculation, increase in strength and an increase in
permeability.

 Adsorption capacity of the virgin soil was maximum at lower concentration

resulting higher sorption of lead, copper and chromium.

 Amount of metals adsorbed by soil increased with increasing amount of metals

used especially at lower concentration of initial lead, copper and chromium.
This is development of diffuse double layer; therefore clay particle surfaces in
contact with the solution are at maximum.

 It is essential to note that the strength of the lead, copper and chromium
contaminated soils increases till 1000ppm and beyond that, the strength of soil
decreased for 2000ppm.This phenomenon is due to the Adsorption capacity of
soil is higher at lower concentration, resulting more metals adsorption. This
also indicates that the sites for adsorption on this soil are still available at lower
concentration. This also indicates that the sites for adsorption on this soil are
 still available at lower concentration. When the Adsorption sites become
saturated with metal solutions, the adsorption decreases with further increasing
of lead, copper and chromium in the solutions and thus the strength starts
decreasing.
So finally the conclusion arrives from this study is that the effect of heavy metal
contamination on geotechnical properties of black cotton soil is negligible for lower
concentrations. Hence, if heavy metal is within the levels of Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the heavy metals contaminated soils can be used as a good bearing material
itself, but in case of higher concentrations of heavy metals in soils, further remedial measures
shall be done to improve the engineering characteristics of soil.

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