Keren, R., Division of Soil Physical Chemistry, Institute of Soils and Water, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
O’Connor, G.A., Department of Agronomy, Agricultural Experiment Station, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, United States

The effects of solution composition, electrolyte concentration, and exchangeable ions on Sr2+adsorption by noncalcareous soils at low levels of Sr2+loading were studied, and the distribution coefficients of Sr2+and the selectivity coefficient for Sr-Ca adsorption were calculated. The distribution coefficient was independent of Sr2+loading, whereas this coefficient was strongly dependent on salt concentration, cation species (Na versus Ca), and pH. The selectivity coefficient, (Equation presented), was less than 1 for wide ranges of pH and ionic strength and increased with pH. The data suggest that both H+and Ca2+exert specific depressing effects on Sr2+adsorption. The data presented are supports for the existence of specific adsorption sites for Sr on hydrous oxides and clay mineral edges. © 1983 The Williams & Wilkins Co.