Desorption-Resistance of Hydrophobic Organic Compounds in Natural Soils

Sorption/desorption Study was conducted to determine desorption-resistance hydrophobic organic compounds in natural soils with low organic carbon content. Sorption/desorption characteristics of chlorobenzene and phenanthrene for both PPI (Petro Processors, Inc. Superfund site) and BM (Bayou Manchac), soils were investigated. Desorption was biphasic including reversible and desorption-resistant compartments. The biphasic sorption parameters indicated the presence of appreciable size of desorption-resistant phase in these soils. A finite maximum capacity of desorption-resistant fraction (equation omitted) was observed after several desorption steps. The apparent organic carbon based Partition coefficient, K(equation omitted) was 10$^{4.92{\pm}0.27}$ for PPI soil and 10$^{4.92{\pm}0.27}$ for BM soil, respectively. The difference in K(equation omitted) was attributed to different characteristics in soil organic matter. The results suggest that desorption-resistance should be considered in remediation and risk assessments in natural soils and sediments.