Schaefer.etal:2003

Mathias Schäfer, Michael Steiger (2002): A rapid method for the determination of cation exchange capacities of sandstones: preliminary data.- In: Geological Society, London, Special Publications;, 205, pp. 431-439, doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2002.205.01.31

Abstract

A rapid and efficient single-extraction procedure for measuring cation exchange capacities in sandstones has been developed and tested. The method is based on the use of a SrCl₂ (0.25 mol ·l^–1) solution to displace the exchangeable cations. The cation exchange capacities (CEC) of three types of natural building stones were analysed, both in freshly quarried material and in weathered samples. Large differences in the sorptive properties of these materials were observed. The measurement of profiles of CEC in weathered sandstones revealed a significant decrease of CEC in the weathered zone close to the exposed surface, most likely reflecting the partial dissolution of clay minerals due to acid attack. CEC measurements appear to be a very sensitive indicator of chemical weathering profiles.