Diffusion of metals in geosynthetic clay liners. Issue 1 (February 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lange, K.; Rowe, R. K.; Jamieson, H.
• Is Part Of: Geosynthetics international. Volume 16:Issue 1(2009)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2009-02
• Subjects: Geosynthetics -- Geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) -- Metals -- Bentonite -- Diffusion -- Sorption -- Tailings; Geosynthetics -- Periodicals; Geosynthetics; Periodicals; 624.1892
• DOI: 10.1680/gein.2009.16.1.11
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-6349

Abstract

Abstract : The potential for using geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) to mitigate metal mobility is dependent, in part, on consideration of its effectiveness as a diffusive barrier. In this context, laboratory-measured diffusion coefficients and supporting sorption data for metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Sr, Zn) are reported for the following four cases where a GCL might serve as an effective barrier material to metals and metalloids: acidic rock drainage, gold mine tailings, lime-treated mine effluent, and municipal solid waste. The average diffusion coefficients for Cu, Cd, Zn, Fe and Ni covered a narrow range from 0.67 × 10 −10 to 0.89 × 10 −10 m 2 /s. The diffusion coefficients for As, Al, Mg, Mn and Sr were in the range D = 0.80 × 10 −10 to D = 1.6 × 10 −10 . The diffusive movement of other more common inorganic ions such as Ca, Na, S (SO4 ) and Cl are also considered, as well as the impact of pH, Eh and speciation on metal mobility in GCLs.