Mineral-water interface physical properties

This book deals only with the chemistry of the mineral-water interface, and so at first glance, the book might appear to have a relatively narrow focus. However, the range of chemical and physical processes considered is actually quite broad, and the general and comprehensive nature of the topics makes this volume unique. The technical papers are organized into physical properties of the mineral-water interface adsorption ion exchange surface spectroscopy dissolution, precipitation, and solid solution formation and transformation reactions at the mineral-water interface. The introductory chapter presents an overview of recent research advances in each of these six areas and discusses important features of each technical paper. Several papers address the complex ways in which some processes are interrelated, for example, the effect of adsorption reactions on the catalysis of electron transfer reactions by mineral surfaces. 

The purpose of this article is to consider the nature of soils, how soils are contaminated by human activities, how these contaminants are transported and transformed in the soil column, and the types of human activities that could result in human exposure to soil contaminants. Soils are complex systems that exist at the interface among atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. A true soil includes gas, water, mineral, and organic components. Potential human contacts with soil can result in inhalation, ingestion, and dermal uptake of soil contaminants through both direct and indirect exposure pathways. The magnitude and persistence of exposure depends not only on the level of soil contamination, but also on the physical and chemical properties of soil, the chemical properties of the contaminant, and the frequency and duration of human activities such as occupational and recreational activities or use of home-grown food, which result in direct and indirect soil contacts. Toxicologists should be aware of the complex nature of soils, of the potential of soil contamination, and of types of direct and indirect contacts that human populations have with soil. 

---