Investigation of the iron-cyanide complexes behavior in soil

The usage of cyanide in different types of industrial processes has led to contamination of soil and water in the surrounding areas. During the 19th century, manufactured gas plants (MPG) were worldwide operated in order to produce gas in the process of coal gasification. Purification of the manufactured gas yielded side-products (sulphur, tar, various complex iron cyanides) that were spread in the vicinities of the MPGs and often used as a filling material. Rain water infiltration causes the leaching of spent oxide box wastes into groundwater and the presence of dissolved cyanide in the soil. Due to possible environmental hazard, it is important to gain better knowledge and understanding of the iron-cyanide complexes behavior at MGP sites. As a part of a research project Stabilisierung des DB AG-Standortes ehem. Leuchtgasanstalt Cottbus durch Verfahren der Bioremediation (Phytoremediation), experiments with soil columns were carried out to simulate transport of pollutants in the field. The purpose of this study is to gain better understanding and knowledge about the dissolution behavior of the iron-cyanide complexes within the soil and water matrixes.