Migration Effect of Ba2+ in the Extraction of a Larger Cation (K+) Naturally Present in Volcanic Soil

Cations present in the soil solution interact with soil charged surfaces by electrostatic forces. An applied electric field promotes principally, the migration of ions of the soil solution, whose interactions with charged surfaces are not so strong. If, by means of an applied electric field to the soil, the transport of a higher valence ion such as Ba2+ is promoted, it would be expected that cations of lower valence should be desorbed from the soil exchange sites. The main goal of the present work was to study the effect, not only of the applied electric field, but the Ba2+ ion migration, in the extraction of a major cation (K+), naturally founded in a volcanic soil. Experimentally, it was found that Ba2+ migration through the soil, increased in an important way the amount of K+ ions which are mobilized by effects of the applied electric field.