The objective of the present paper is to evaluate the influence of equilibrium time in metal adsorption on sludge-amended soil samples (0-0,2 m) collected in a sewage sludge trial. Soil samples (2.00 g) were shaked during 1 and 24 h with 20 mL of Ca(NO3)2 0,01 mol L-1 solution containing increasing concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn. Adsorption isotherms for 1 and 24 h were compared using the F test. In general greater amounts of metals were adsorbed when a 24h-shaking time was used except for cadmium in sludge-amended sample. It is recommended a 24-h shaking period for equilibrium.
sorption; equilibration time; heavy metals
