New aspects on the chemistry of aluminum in soils

Abstract

Dissolution kinetics of minerals can be significantly inhibited by re-adsorbed aluminum. As a consequence of neutralization, polynuclear Al species may be formed in soil solutions. While re-acidification leads to decomposition of the polymers, further neutralization induces the formation of aggregates. The complexation of heavy metal ions with dissolved and aggregated Al polymers is illustrated as a potential factor influencing the chemical speciation of heavy metals in soils.