Phenanthrene Sorption onto Kaolinite; Heavy Metals and Organic Matter Effects

Several factors effect on sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil. Co-existence of metals and organic matterof soil are among important affecting factors on sorptive behavior of PAHs. This research investigated the effect of organic matter contentand heavy metals (lead, nickel and zinc), on sorption of phenanthrene onto kaolinite. For this purpose, sorption of the organic matterto the kaolinite clay was investigatedthrough batch experiments. Six types of soilsin presence and absence of metals at different levels organic matter were preparedfor assessmentofphenanthrene sorption. Obtained data for phenanthrene sorption were well described by linear Freundlich isotherm. Making comparison between linear distribution coefficients (Kd) of phenanthrene for six prepared soils showed that heavy metals and organic matter can increase the sorption of phenanthrene. Heavy metals coexisting with organic matter have a synergic effect onphenanthrene Kd increment. A model to predict the sorption of phenanthrene onto kaolinite was developed and verifiedusing obtained experimental data.