The mobility of heavy metals from one-time application of biosolids (i.e.,
compost, pellet, and cement kiln dust stabilized biosolids) onto glaciated
soils (Paxton soil). was studied because previous work on metal leachate ch
aracteristics, from different biosolids is limited for glaciated soils. Two
types of batch tests were performed: first, a pH-edge adsorption study to
evaluate the effect of pH on heavy metal adsorption to Paxton soil and, sec
ond, a pH-edge leaching study to evaluate the effect of pH on the leaching
potential of heavy metals from biosolids-amended Paxton soil. Finally, a se
micontinuous soil column study was performed to assess. the mobility of hea
vy metals from biosolids-amended Paxton soil. The pH-edge leaching results
showed that the leaching potential of heavy metals was lower with the compo
st product. Desorption concentrations for arsenic, chromium, and lead were
found to be greatest in the cement kiln dust stabilized product whereas cad
mium, copper, and nickel were present at the greatest concentrations in the
pellets. The total organic carbon results measured during the pH-edge leac
hing study indicated that there is a minimum leachable concentration in the
pH range of 4 to 5 for all three biosolids. Overall, the column studies in
dicated that heavy metals were not readily leached from the three biosolids
-amended Paxton soils. The results from this study suggest that a one-time
land application of these biosolids will not adversely affect groundwater q
uality.