Fate and transport of chromium in industrial sites: Dynamic simulation on soil profile

Direct discharge of chromium-containing waste water and improper disposal of waste residues in industrial sites may lead to the vertical migration of metals into aquifers, posing serious threat to soil-groundwater system. The heterogeneity in soil profile further aggravates the complexity and unpredictability of this transport process. However, topsoil was the main focus of most studies. Herein, the vertical transport and transformation of Cr in soils at different depths in three industrial sites (i.e., Shijiazhuang, Zhuzhou, and Guangzhou) were investigated to delineate Cr transport and retention characteristics under complex conditions. Regional and vertical differences in soil properties led to the specificity in Cr migration behaviors among these three sites. Correlation analysis showed that soil pH (r = −0.909, p < 0.05) and Fe content (r = 0.949, p < 0.01) were the major controlling factors of Cr(VI) migration and transformation in aquifers. Furthermore, the soil of Zhuzhou site showed the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) (0.225 mol/kg), and the strongest reduction ability of Cr(VI) was observed in the Guangzhou soil. Results of model-based long-term forecast indicated that the Cr(III) concentration in the liquid phase of Guangzhou subsoil could reach 0.08 mol/m³ within 20 years. Heavier rainfall condition exacerbated the contamination due to an increased pollutant flux and enhanced convection. Specially, Cr was fixed in the topsoil of Zhuzhou site with the formation of PbCrO₄ and presented least vertical migration risk. The conclusions above can provide scientific theoretical guidance for heavy metal pollution prevention and control in industrial contaminated regions.