Interfacial Chemistry of Rocks and Soils

Knowledge of the basic interactions that take place between geological materials and different substances is the first step in understanding the effects of adsorption and other interfacial processes on the quality of rocks and soils, and on driving these processes towards a beneficial or neutral result. Interfacial Chemistry of Rocks and Soils examines the different processes at solid and liquid interfaces of soil and rock, presenting a complete analysis that emphasizes the importance of chemical species on these interactions. Summarizing the results and knowledge of the authors’ research in this field over several decades, this volume: Explores the individual components of the studied systems: the solid, the solution, and the interface Discusses the characteristics and thermodynamics of the interface Illustrates the kinetic aspects of interfacial reactions Examines interfacial processes in a montmorillonite model system Demonstrates transformations initiated by interfacial processes Studies interfacial processes of real rock and soil solution systems Outlines avenues of treatment that may solve geological, soil science, and environmental problems Profiles the most important analytical methods in the study of interfacial processes Previous books in this area typically focus on selected aspects of the subject, such as the properties of the solid phase, or the interactions of selected substances with soil/rock. This book comprehensively treats the soil-liquid-interface system. Drawn chiefly from the authors’ years of research at the Isotope Laboratory in the Department of Colloid and Environmental Chemistry at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, this book discusses chemical reactions on the surfaces/interfaces of soils and rocks; examines the role of these processes in environmental, colloid and geochemistry; and explores the effects on agricultural, environmental and industrial applications.