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Factors controlling alkylbenzene sorption to municipal solid waste
1Department of Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7908, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Municipal solid waste (MSW) decomposition increases the sorption of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) to its organic matter. Plastics show greater sorption than biopolymers, and leachate can affect contaminant bioavailability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
Background:
- Hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) pose risks in municipal solid waste (MSW) environments.
- Understanding sorption behavior is crucial for predicting HOC fate and transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate alkylbenzene sorption to various MSW constituents.
- To investigate the impact of MSW decomposition and leachate composition on sorption.
Main Methods:
- Sorption isotherm tests on office paper, newsprint, model food/yard waste, HDPE, and PVC.
- Experiments using fresh and decomposed biodegradable sorbents.
- Tests in acidogenic and methanogenic leachate.
Main Results:
- Alkylbenzene sorption was higher to plastics than biopolymers, explained by solubility parameters.
- Sorption to biopolymers showed linear isotherms, decreasing with sorbent polarity.
- Volatile fatty acids in leachate may plasticize PVC, affecting sorption.
Conclusions:
- MSW decomposition enhances organic matter affinity for HOCs due to plastic recalcitrance and biopolymer degradation.
- Leachate composition, particularly volatile fatty acids, can influence HOC bioavailability.