A one-dimensional contaminant transport model coupled with adsorption and degradation processes was validated by capping

incubation experiments that simulated nitrogen and phosphorus release from lake sediments. The model integrated

advective–diff usive transport through sediment and capping materials by incorporating kinetic and equilibrium adsorption

and microbial degradation. The results aligned well with the experimental data for dissolved oxygen (DO) and chemical

oxygen demand (COD) under capping conditions. The model accurately predicted NH 4 –N concentration variations based on

the capping material’s adsorption capacity. The NH 4 –N concentrations were negligibly impacted (< 10 −7 mg/L) by zeolite

kinetic adsorption rate; whereas, the equilibrium adsorption parameters, including the maximum capacity and Langmuir constant,

signifi cantly infl uenced them; they were more sensitive to lower maximum adsorption capacities and higher Langmuir

constant ranges. The maximum specifi c growth rates of heterotrophic aerobes and nitrifi ers aff ected the relatively NH 4 –N

concentration minimally. However, COD concentrations were sensitive to the maximum specifi c growth rate of heterotrophic

aerobes, which aff ected the DO concentration in the overlying water. Variations in the ammonium half-saturation constant

aff ected neither of COD, NH 4 –N, NO 3 –N, or DO concentrations. The proposed model enhances the understanding and

prediction of nutrient fate and transport in capping systems compared with that from conventional models.