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Characterization, Quantification and Compound-specific Isotopic Analysis of Pyrogenic Carbon Using Benzene Polycarboxylic Acids (BPCA)
Published on: May 16, 2016
Comparison of two reference black carbons using a planar PCB as a model sorbate
Jeongran Im1, Cindy M Lee, John T Coates
1Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, SC 29625, USA.
Chemosphere
|January 8, 2008
Summary
Choosing the right reference black carbon (BC) is crucial for studying hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) sorption. This research found differences in PCB-35 sorption between n-hexane soot and diesel particulate matter, highlighting the importance of BC chemical properties.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Sorption Science
- Environmental Engineering
Background:
- Accurate assessment of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) sorption in natural environments requires suitable reference black carbon (BC) materials.
- Black carbon (BC) is a significant sorbent for HOCs in soils and sediments.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants of environmental concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the sorption behavior of a model HOC, 3,3',4-trichlorobiphenyl (PCB-35), using two distinct reference black carbons (BCs) and a natural sediment.
- To investigate the influence of black carbon's chemical characteristics on HOC sorption.
- To provide guidance for selecting appropriate reference BCs in environmental sorption studies.
Main Methods:
- Sorption isotherms were generated for PCB-35 using n-hexane soot (BCRM), diesel particulate matter (SRM 2975), and a low-BC natural sediment.
- Elemental analysis was performed on the reference BC materials.
- Pore volume distribution and surface area were characterized for the sorbents.
Main Results:
- BCRM exhibited greater sorptivity for PCB-35 than SRM 2975, attributed to differences in their chemical composition (e.g., N and S content in SRM 2975).
- Reference BCs showed higher surface area, pore volume, and sorption capacity compared to the natural sediment.
- Isotherms for the natural sediment were more linear (higher Freundlich exponent, nF) than those for the reference BCs.
Conclusions:
- The chemical properties of reference black carbons significantly impact their sorption capacity for HOCs like PCBs.
- Differences in pore structure, particularly at <16A pore width, were less likely to explain the observed sorption variations.
- This study aids in selecting appropriate reference BCs for environmental HOC sorption studies, especially concerning PCBs.
