Effects of organic matter composition on the partition behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
Sorption isotherms have been measured for a range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on soil samples, as well as contaminated and pristine sediment samples. The organic carbon normalized partition coefficients (K{sub oc}) measured with the sediment samples are higher than those measured for the soil samples. The observed difference is similar to that previously measured for highly nonpolar compounds such as carbon tetrachloride. The measured K{sub oc} values for the PAH compounds are comparable with the corresponding octanolwater partition coefficients (K{sub ow}). In contrast, the K{sub oc} values measured for carbon tetrachloride and other nonpolar solutes are approximately one tenth the K{sub ow} value for this compound. The highly aromatic nature of the PAH compounds appears to reduce their solubility in octanol; the resulting K{sub ow} values are comparable to the K{sub ow} values. Contaminated marine sediments show enhanced partition over pristine sediments although the enhancement factor is somewhat less than that seen with extremely nonpolar solutes (e.g. carbon tetrachloride). The partition behavior of PAHs appears to be sensitive to differences between the polarities of soil and sediment organic matters.
- OSTI ID:
- 203608
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137-; ISBN 1-880611-03-1; TRN: IM9614%%120
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) world conference, Vancouver (Canada), 5-9 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Second SETAC world congress (16. annual meeting): Abstract book. Global environmental protection: Science, politics, and common sense; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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