The behavior of barium in a landfill and the underlying soil

The behavior of Ba in a landfill and the soil was studied because at several locations in The Netherlands heat treatment waste from metal processing companies, containing Ba, was dumped in codisposal with domestic waste. Experiments were set up to study the behavior of Ba under controlled conditions; columns were filled with a layer of sandy soil, on top of which a layer of ground domestic waste was placed. A layer of Ba-containing salt was embedded in the waste. Special attention was given to the influence of the location of the Ba-containing salt in the waste layer and the influence of the groundwater level on the behavior of Ba. The results indicate that 18 to 39% of the Ba that was added to the columns leached, probably in the form of organic Ba-complexes. Part of the Ba was adsorbed or precipitated in the sand or the waste layer, while part of the Ba remained at the original place of application in the form of BaCO sub(3).