Faciliated transport and enhanced desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by natural organic matter in aquifer sediments

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00003a032· OSTI ID:28688

Johnson, W P; Amy, G L ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)

Natural organic matter (NOM) at environmentally feasible concentrations significantly facilitates transport and enhances desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in low organic carbon (f{sub oc}) aquifer sediments. Soil-derived humic materials do so with greater effect than do aquatic-derived humic materials. As well, the effects are greater for more hydrophobic PAH than for PAH of lower hydrophobicity. PAH NOM association is dynamic and reversible. Movement of PAH to and from NOM and to and from low f{sub oc} sediment occurs rapidly, making possible the use of NOM in enhancing PAH desorption. Corollary to this observation is the ability of PAH to move from NOM to sediments, which must be considered in any prospective remediation scheme. Facilitation and enhanced desorption of PAH by NOM was successful because of the absence of kinetic limitations in the system herein examined. 29 refs., 9 figs., 7 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 28688
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 29; ISSN 0013-936X; ISSN ESTHAG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUIFERS
CONTAMINATION
DESORPTION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC MATTER
PARTITION
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
QUARTZ
REMEDIAL ACTION
SEDIMENTS