Adsorption Behavior of Cadmium in Argillaceous Limestone Yellow Soils Simulated by The Surface Complexation Model

In the present study, based on continuous acid–base potentiometric titration experiments of argillaceous limestone-derived yellow soil obtained at different depths in Pingba, Guizhou, a 1-site/2-pK a generalized composite surface complexation model (SCM) was established to obtain relevant parameters and explore soil surface acid–base properties. The model was employed to simulate cadmium (Cd) adsorption behavior. Combining the physicochemical properties of yellow soil and acid–base titration curves, the SCM-derived concentrations ( H s ) and densities ( D s ) of the surface-active sites for three soil layers showed decreasing trends with an increase in depth, whereas the calculated soil charge zero point (pH pzc ) values matched the experimental values, indicating the applicability of SCM in studying the surface acid–base properties of yellow soil. Furthermore, as the pH increased, Cd shifted gradually from the dissolved to the adsorbed state, achieving complete adsorption at a pH of ~ 7. The model-simulated Cd adsorption curve matched well with the experimental curve; the Cd adsorption behavior corresponded with the simulated distribution of surface sites at different pH levels, with ≡SOH 2 + and ≡SO − being the main forms at pH pH pzc , respectively. Correlation analysis indicated that organic matter and goethite played a major role in H s , whereas the charge zero points of soils at different depths were determined mainly by clay minerals, such as illite and iron-aluminum oxides. Our study established a scientific and reasonable relationship between the soil physicochemical properties and model parameters, providing a basis for preventing heavy metal pollution behavior via the effective application of model predictions.