Modelling heavy metal (Copper and Zinc) mobility in soil with difference land uses in Debrecen, Hungary using HYDRUS environment

Abstract

This study modeled the mobility of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in soils with different land uses (agricultural, industrial, and urban) in Debrecen, Hungary, using the HYDRUS environment. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, porosity, moisture, hydraulic conductivity, and water retention, with sandy loam identified as the dominant texture. Laboratory soil column experiments showed that super absorbent polymers were more effective in reducing Zn mobility than Cu, especially in sandy soils. Irrigation with contaminated water led to higher metal concentrations in upper soil layers, with pollutant levels increasing with dosage and frequency. The Predictable Environmental Concentration (PEC) modeling showed that regular or continuous leachate application significantly raises Cu concentrations in the soil, posing a risk of groundwater contamination. The study concluded that while one-time applications may be tolerable, repeated leachate discharge must be strictly controlled through regulatory measures.