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Modeling the association of metals with heterogeneous environmental sorbents

Conference ·
OSTI ID:126368
 [1]
  1. Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR (United States)

We have critically evaluated several approaches to modeling the association of metals with heterogeneous environmental materials such as humic acids and soil particle surfaces. We conclude that {open_quotes}mechanistic{close_quotes} models are not nearly as {open_quotes}mechanistic{close_quotes} as one generally assumes, and that {open_quotes}semi-empirical{close_quotes} models are much more valuable than one might assume by comparison to simple {open_quotes}K{sub d}{close_quotes} models. We present a semi-empirical {open_quotes}discrete-log-K-spectrum{close_quotes} model and use it to describe the binding of Co(II), as a function of pH and NaClO{sub 4} concentration, to two environmental substrates: leonardite humic acid and a kaolinitic subsoil. We conclude that a semi-empirical model, based on a discrete log K spectrum, is the most efficient approach to representing the interactions of metals with heterogeneous environmental materials over a wide range of solution composition.

OSTI ID:
126368
Report Number(s):
CONF-950402--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English