Abstract
The elution properties of mercury from weathered granite were investigated by several types of leaching tests, such as the batch type leaching test (Japanese Leaching Test No.46), the pH-dependent leaching test, and the column type leaching test. The effects of elution solvents were also examined using deionized water, leachate from landfill, sodium hydroxide solution, and sodium chloride solution. The results of the batch type test and the pH-dependent leaching test show that the pH of the eluate affects the elution of mercury and that mercury is eluted above pH 10. The column type leaching test demonstrates that mercury in weathered granite is eluted with leachate as well as with sodium hydroxide solution. The concentration of mercury in the eluate increases gradually with the increasing pH of the eluate. The total amount of mercury eluted is 4-5% of the mercury contents of the weathered granite. It is considered that 0H- accelerates the elution of mercury.
