Sorption and desorption of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides in aquatic sediment minerals

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Abstract

The fundamental sorption and desorption reactions between selected chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides and clay minerals were established in this study. The effects of several important environmental factors, including pH, temperature, salt (NaCl) concentration, and organic content, on the sorption and desorption reactions were also ascertained. Results obtained in this study reveal that organochlorine pesticides are rapidly adsorbed by clays and also retained strongly after adsorption. Only small fractions of the adsorbed pesticides can be desorbed. The environmental factors of pH, temperature and salt content appear to exert no significant effect on the sorption and desorption reactions. The organic pollutants present in the water phase also bear no effect on the reactions. However, the organic humus present in the sediment phase is able to enhance the pesticide adsorption because chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides are adsorbed in much greater quantities by organic humus than by clay minerals. Based on this study it seems promising that the sludge materials generated by waste treatment plant can be used as the pesticide carrier or diluent in future agricultural applications.
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Missouri Water Center under the Grant/Cooperative Agreement.
The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey or Missouri Water Center. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey or Missouri Water Center.

Table of Contents

DOI

PubMed ID

Degree

Thesis Department

Rights

License