Understanding attenuation processes is important not only for predicting the behavior of contaminants in soil and formulating remediation strategies, but also for mitigating and enhancing the availability of micronutrients in soil for agricultural applications. Natural Attenuation of Trace Element Availability in Soils brings together pioneering researchers who discuss their cutting-edge work in this area. The first chapters focus on practical analytical techniques for the measurement and the biological assessment of natural attenuation of trace elements. The following chapters analyze the processes that occur in the natural attenuation of contaminants and nutrients, covering the structural dynamics of mineral surfaces, partitioning, diffusion, fixation, biological and redox processes, and the reversibility of these processes. The remaining chapters consider the impact and implications of natural attenuation in terms of risk assessment, remediation of inorganic contaminants, and bioavailability of essential nutrients. Offering a concise, well-rounded perspective, Natural Attenuation of Trace Element Availability in Soils demonstrates how attenuation processes can significantly impact strategies for soil remediation and serve as a basis for environmental regulations.

Natural Attenuation of Trace Element Availability in Soils Assessed by Chemical Extraction. Techniques for Measuring Attenuation: Isotopic Dilution Methods. Biological Assessment of Natural Attenuation of Metals in Soil. Long-Term Fate of Metal Contaminants in Soils and Sediments: Role of Intraparticle Diffusion in Hydrous Metal Oxides. Structural Dynamics of Metal Partitioning to Mineral Surfaces. Effects of Humic Substances on Attenuation of Metal Bioavailability and Mobility in Soil. Attenuation of Metal Toxicity in Soils by Biological Processes. Redox Processes and Attenuation of Metal Availability in Soils. Fixation of Cadmium and Zinc in Soils: Implications for Risk Assessment. Natural Attenuation: Implications for Trace Metal/Metalloid Nutrition. Use of Soil Amendments to Attenuate Trace Element Exposure: Sustainability, Side Effects, and Failures.