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Long-term chemical and biological stability of surfactant-modified zeolite

Journal Article · · Environmental Science and Technology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es970841e· OSTI ID:655406
; ; ;  [1]
  1. New Mexico Inst. of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM (United States)

The authors determined the chemical and biological stability of surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ) in laboratory batch and column experiments. SMZ prepared using hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA)-Br or -Cl was stable in high ionic strength and high- and low-pH environments, with more than 90% of HDTMA remaining bound to the zeolite surface after washing with 100 pore volumes. However, up to 20% of the HDTMA washed off in low ionic strength solutions and up to 50% washed off in a 1.0 mM Cs{sup +} solution. HDTMA bound to the zeolite surface was resistant to microbial degradation, with more than 98% of the original HDTMA remaining after 12--17 weeks of incubation under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. While aqueous HDTMA was biocidal, HDTMA bound on SMZ did not inhibit microbial growth. On the basis of the results of this study, SMZ appears suitable as a sorbent for long-term in situ applications and as a substrate for enhanced bioremediation.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AR21-95MC32108
OSTI ID:
655406
Journal Information:
Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 17 Vol. 32; ISSN 0013-936X; ISSN ESTHAG
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English