Influence of organic matters on the adsorption–desorption of 1,2-dichloroethane on soil in water and model saturated aquifer

Abstract

1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) is a typical organic chlorinated compound largely utilized in chemical manufacturing and industrial production and also a common pollutant in organically contaminated sites. The adsorption of 1,2-DCA on soil grains significantly influences its environmental fate and removal process. This study investigated the influence of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) on the adsorption–desorption of 1,2-DCA in solid–liquid interfaces in water or constructed porous media. Experimental findings demonstrated the influence of organic matter on the adsorption of 1,2-DCA at the solid–water interface. 1,2-DCA adsorption increased in the FA or HA-treated soils when organic matter was present on the solid surfaces. The 1,2-DCA adsorption in the mixture of FA and HA was slightly lower than that in single organic acids, depending on the binding of FA and HA to the soil grains/colloids. Basic conditions reduced the adsorption of 1,2-DCA on soils, whereas acidic conditions enhanced adsorption due to the increased interactions via adsorption sites and hydrogen bonds. Conversely, the presence of organic matter in solutions (liquid phase in constructed porous media) will reduce the adsorption of 1,2-DCA on solid surfaces and increase the transport in the model aquifer. The combination of FA, HA, and rhamnolipids is helpful for the removal of 1,2-DCA from solid surfaces. Additionally, because of the enhanced desorption, the risk of 1,2-DCA contamination in groundwater can be increased when the organic matter or surfactant is present in the liquid phase if the eluent is not collected. This study helps to better understand the cooperative interaction of soil organic matter and chlorinated hydrocarbons at solid–water interfaces and the environmental fate and potential removal strategies of chlorinated hydrocarbons in contaminated sites.