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Title: Desorptive behavior of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and phenanthrene in soil-water systems

Journal Article · · Water Environment Research

Recent investigations have prompted the need for a better understanding of the complete desorptive behavior of hydrophobic organic compounds in soils. The present study evaluated the irreversibilities associated with the desorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and phenanthrene from different types of soils. The study also examined the influence of solid-liquid ratio of the current batch desorption tests, specifically the completeness and accuracy of data gathered for establishing isotherms. Results demonstrated that the desorption of PCP and phenanthrene from contaminated soils can lead to three different types of behavior: complete reversibility, partial reversibility, or total irreversibility. The equilibrium adsorption constant (K{sub d}) is identified as a key parameter that indirectly sets the extent of hysteresis during the reverse process of desorption. According to the data, irreversibility occurs more in soils with a large adsorption capacity, that is, when K{sub d} is approximately 50 mL/g or more in the case of the phenanthrene- and PCP-soil systems evaluated. Furthermore, to facilitate the desorption experiments overall, the study proposes selection criteria for the solid-liquid ratio of batch tests to allow for variations in the adsorption capacity of each soil.

OSTI ID:
20080404
Journal Information:
Water Environment Research, Vol. 72, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Mar-Apr 2000; ISSN 1061-4303
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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