Copper sorption capacity of the soil treated with unconventional alkalizing agents

The influence of unconventional alkaline additives (ground seashells and bauxite residue) on the copper (Cu) sorption and retention capacity of acidic soil was investigated. The soil collected near the mining and metallurgical complex in Bor (Serbia) was treated with different doses of additives, and the Cu sorption and desorption were assessed in batch conditions. The waste-derived materials proved to be efficient and sustainable alternatives to conventional alkalizers, increasing the maximum sorption capacity for Cu in correspondence with the soil pH increase. Nevertheless, added Cu was largely mobilized by weak acid extraction, demonstrating the importance of maintaining optimal soil pH for Cu leaching prevention.