ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the state-of-the-art concerning in situ immobilization and describes special advantages and specific problems related to this technique. Sorption, ion exchange, and precipitation can be used to convert soluble and preexisting potentially soluble solid phase forms to more geochemically stable solid phases, reducing the metal pool for root uptake. Hydrous ferric and manganese oxides have coherent small-sized scattering domains composed of mixed cubic and hexagonal anionic packing, where each pair of the anionic layer contains, on average, the same number of cations. Reactions between iron oxides and trace elements are well documented. Single applications of steel shots have been made to contaminated soils and subsequent changes in trace element mobility and plant availability monitored. Beringite is a modified aluminosilicate that originates from the fluidized bed burning of coal refuse from a former coal mine. Zeolite-treated soils show a general alkalinization.
