English Abstract In this study the elemental content and the
leachability of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn from five contaminated and five
decontaminated soils are investigated. Decontaminated soils enriched with
compost and incubated for some months are also investigated. Compost is
added to compensate the decrease of organic matter due to soil cleaning.
The main conclusions are: - Due to soil cleaning the elemental content of
the soil decreased considerably (> 50%). The methods for the cleaning of
contaminated soil do not succeed in bringing down the content to limits
specified by the government in the Netherlands. - Soil cleaning doesn't
always lead to a reduced leaching of metals. In some cases soil cleaning
leads to increased leachability, in spite of the fact that the total amount
of metal in the soil decreased. - Soil cleaning leads in only one case (Kat
emaille) to a soil that can be re-used as building material without
isolating conditions. - The acidity is an important factor, which
influences the mobility of metals. - Generally, the addition of compost and
incubation for some months leads to an increase in the leachability of As,
Cu en Pb.
