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Effect of sewage sludge on the adsorption of polychlorinated biphenyls by three New Mexico soils

Journal Article · · J. Environ. Qual.; (United States)

The adsorption of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) (54% Cl) by three low-organic matter New Mexico soils amended with sewage sludge was determined by batch equilibration. Adsorption isotherm data were described by the Freundilich equation. An increase in adsorption with increased organic C content was observed. However, for a given organic C content, adsorption in soils preconditioned with sewage sludge differed from soils amended with sludge at the time of adsorption analysis. Adsorption was greater in a clay soil than in two sandy loams. Differences in organic C content described 56.5% of the variance in the Freundlich K constants for PCB retention across all treatments. Incorporating the factor of clay content or specific surface area into the regression analysis accounted for 79.1% of the variance in K. Freundlich constants normalized for organic C content (K/sub oc/) were not cosntant across treatments.

Research Organization:
New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces
DOE Contract Number:
AS04-76ET33626
OSTI ID:
6942910
Journal Information:
J. Environ. Qual.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Qual.; (United States) Vol. 13:2; ISSN JEVQA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English