This study aimed to determine the retardation factors and the diffusion-dispersion coefficients of the potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium ions found in the cassava wastewater, as well as to simulate the resident concentrations in soil columns with 160 cm over a five-hours period. The trials were accomplished under laboratory conditions, by using percolation columns fulfilled with materials from the spodic ortic Quartzarenic Neosol (RQo), typical distrophic Yellow Latosol (LAd) and typical distrophic Yellow Red Latosol (LVAd). The data of the ion concentrations in effluent were analyzed, by using the miscible fluid displacement methodology. The highest values of the retardation factors occurred in the LVAd soil, relative to LAd and RQo soils, pointing out a higher retention of the potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium ions in the LVAd soil. The values of the diffusive-dispersive coefficients decreased from LVAd toward the RQo soil, whereas the highest value occurred in the RQo soil for the potassium ion and the lowest in the LVAd soil for calcium ion. The simulation of the cassava wastewater application over a five-hours period showed little advance of these ions in the LVAd soil column, comparative to the advance occurred in the RQo and LAd soils, therefore warning about the dangers of the underground water contamination, when applying the cassava wastewater on these two soils.
wastewater; retardation factor; dispersive-diffusive coefficient; resident concentration
