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Evaluating phenanthrene sorption on various wood chars
Gavin James1, David A Sabatini, Cary T Chiou
1School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
Water Research
|February 15, 2005
Summary
Wood char in soil significantly alters organic compound sorption, deviating from typical soil organic matter behavior. This study quanties these nonlinear effects, providing crucial data for understanding contaminant transport in soils containing biochar.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Soil organic matter (SOM) typically exhibits linear partitioning of organic compounds.
- Wood char and soot can alter sorption behavior in soil and sediment samples.
- Nonlinear sorption can significantly impact the environmental fate and transport of organic contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the sorption isotherms of phenanthrene using laboratory-produced and field-derived wood chars.
- To quantify the nonlinear sorption effects of wood chars on organic compounds.
- To investigate the influence of char properties on sorption capacity and potential.
Main Methods:
- Sorption isotherm experiments using phenanthrene as a model solute in aqueous solutions.
- Analysis of laboratory-produced and field-collected wood chars.
- Determination of organic carbon-normalized sorption coefficients (log K(oc)).
Main Results:
- Wood chars, both lab-produced and field-derived, exhibit nonlinear sorption behavior for phenanthrene.
- Observed log K(oc) values for phenanthrene ranged from 5.0 to 7.3, consistent with literature.
- Sorption potential is influenced by char heating temperature, starting material, and surface area characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Wood chars significantly impact organic compound sorption in soils and sediments.
- The heterogeneity and quantity of wood char influence sorption capacity.
- These findings help explain the variability in sorption coefficients reported for char-containing materials.