Adsorption/desorption of phenols on the Pima clay loam soil

Abstract

A linear distribution isotherm described the sorption/desorption of four phenols on the Pima clay loam soil. The linear distribution coefficients for 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2-chlorophenol, phenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol were 3.61, 2.93, 0.87, and 0.79. Ionization of the phenols affected their relative distribution order. Hydrogen bonding of phenols to exposed mineral sites accounted for the greater measured sorption than was predicted. The effect of solid concentration on the distribution of phenols was tested over a 10-fold soil/solution range. When a log transformation was performed on the data, a highly significant inverse relationship existed between the distribution of phenols and the soil/solution ratio. A 3-fold increase in the dissolved organic carbon in solution was associated with the decrease in the distribution coefficient. A 3-fold increase in the fraction organic carbon in the soil occurred when dry sludge solids were added to the Pima soil. A substantial increase in the dissolved organic carbon in solution was associated with the addition of sludge solids to the soil. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)