ABSTRACT
We consider, in this chapter, the general mechanisms and processes involved in the interaction between contaminants (pollutants and non-pollutants) and soil fractions, with attention to the general processes involved in the partitioning of pollutants. The details of partitioning inorganic (heavy metals) and organic chemical pollutants will be considered separately in the next two chapters. In Chapter 1, we referred to
pollutants
as contaminants that are considered potential threats to human health and the environment. These pollutants are both naturally occurring substances, e.g., arsenic and Fe, and anthropogenically derived such as the various kinds of chlorinated organics. Most, if not all, of these kinds of substances or compounds can be found on many hazardous and toxic substances lists issued by various governments and regulatory agencies in almost all countries of the world. Amongst these are the
Priority Pollutants
list given in the Clean Water Act, the
Hazardous Substances List
given in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the
Appendix IX Chemicals
given in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
