Transport, Effects, and Fates of Hazardous Wastes

The transport of hazardous wastes is largely a function of their physical properties, the physical properties of their surrounding matrix, the physical conditions to which they are subjected, and chemical factors. Highly volatile wastes are obviously more likely to be transported through the atmosphere and more soluble ones to be carried by water. Wastes will move farther and faster in porous, sandy formations than in denser soils. Volatile wastes are more mobile under hot, windy conditions and soluble ones during periods of heavy rainfall. Wastes that are more chemically and biochemically reactive will not move so far as less reactive wastes before breaking down. 

The major properties of hazardous substances and their surroundings that determine the environmental transport of such substances are as follows  

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