Changes of Distribution Coefficients of Cu, Cr, and As in Different Soil Matrix in a Laboratory Scale

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a long history of successful preservative, have raised environmental concerns. Adsorption characteristics of domestic soils for chromium, copper, and arsenic were assessed by measuring distribution coefficient ($K_d$) values of these metal components in a laboratory scale. The results revealed that $K_d$ values were higher in chromium, followed by arsenic and copper in soil matrix. Different soil matrixes resulted in varying mobilities of CCA components. The values of $K_d$ for all three metals increased with organic matter contents. The results suggest that the mobility of metal components may be very limited to the surface area adjacent to CCA-treated wood due to their fairly large distribution coefficient ($K_d$). However, the metal components would be persistent and accumulated in the soil, resulting in high chemical concentration in service area of treated wood.