Copper adsorption by soil is very important, as after soil adsorptive capacity is exceeded, the metal become potentially available for leaching. The objectives of this study were to analyze copper adsorption considering different properties of soil samples studied, to evaluate the influence of the pH level on copper adsorption and to verify if Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms describe adequately the copper adsorption. Solutions containing different copper concentrations (6, 10, 20, 40, 60 e 80 mg L-1) were adjusted to pH 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0. The organic matter content and cation exchange capacity were the soil properties that most influenced copper adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich models offered a good fit for the experimental data. Copper adsorption varied with soil pH, with greater adsorption at pH 6.0.
micronutrients; isotherms; soil properties
