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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

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Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Six Biochars Produced for the Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Published on: November 28, 2014
[Sorption and desorption of phenanthrene on sediments]
1Key Laboratory on Environmental Pollution Processes and Standards of Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China. wuwenling8314@163.com
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|June 24, 2009
Summary
Salinity increases phenanthrene sorption to sediments, with desorption hysteresis influenced by concentration and sediment properties. Freshwater showed greater desorption hysteresis than saltwater.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
Context:
- Phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), is a common environmental contaminant.
- Understanding its sorption and desorption behavior in aquatic sediments is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of salinity on phenanthrene sorption and desorption.
- To explore the mechanisms of desorption hysteresis under varying conditions.
Summary:
- Salinity enhances phenanthrene sorption to sediments, an effect linked to sediment organic matter (SOM).
- Desorption hysteresis was observed, quantified by a thermodynamic index (TII), and influenced by initial phenanthrene concentration and sediment treatment.
- Notably, greater desorption hysteresis of phenanthrene occurred in freshwater compared to saltwater.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the environmental fate of phenanthrene in estuarine and coastal systems.
- Highlights the role of salinity and sediment characteristics in pollutant sequestration.
- Contributes to understanding desorption hysteresis mechanisms in sediment-water systems.
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