Two Zn, Pb and Cu-contg. soils were treated by addn. of lignite or activated C (200 or 400 g/kg) and then washed with aq. solns. of CaCl2 (0.01 M), HCl (0.1 M) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (0.02 M) to det. the decreased washability of the metals. The treatment resulted in a satisfactory immobilization of the metals.