Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125161
Document author version
Title (Primary) Electrokinetic effects on the interaction of phenanthrene with geo-sorbents
Author Shan, Y.; Qin, J.; Harms, H.; Wick, L.Y.
Source Titel Chemosphere
Year 2020
Department UMB
Volume 242
Page From art. 125161
Language englisch
Keywords Phenanthrene; Electrokinetics; Electroosmotic flow; Sorption thermodynamics
Abstract Interactions with solid matrices control the persistence and (bio-)degradability of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOC). Approaches influencing the rate or extent of HOC interactions with matrices are thus longed for. When a direct current (DC) electric field is applied to a matrix immersed in an ionic solution, it invokes transport processes including electromigration, electrophoresis, and electroosmotic flow (EOF). EOF is the surface charge-induced movement of pore fluids. It has the potential to mobilize uncharged organic contaminants and, hence, to influence their interactions with sorbing geo-matrices (i.e. geo-sorbents). Here, we assessed the effects of weak DC electric fields on sorption and desorption of phenanthrene (PHE) in various mineral and carbonaceous geo-sorbents. We found that DC fields significantly changed the rates and extent of PHE sorption and desorption as compared to DC-free controls. A distinct correlation between the Gibbs free energy change (ΔGº) and electrokinetic effects such as the EOF velocity was observed; in case of mineral sorbents EOF limited (or even inhibited) PHE sorption and increased its desorption. In strongly sorbing carbonaceous geo-sorbents, however, EOF significantly increased the rates of PHE sorption and reduced PHE desorption by > 99% for both activated charcoal and exfoliated graphite. Based on our findings, an approach linking ΔGº and EOF velocity was developed to estimate DC-induced PHE sorption and desorption benefits on mineral and carbonaceous sorbents. We conclude that such kinetic regulation gives rise to future technical applications that may allow modulating sorption processes e.g. in response to fluctuating sorbate concentrations in contaminated water streams.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=22368
Shan, Y., Qin, J., Harms, H., Wick, L.Y. (2020):
Electrokinetic effects on the interaction of phenanthrene with geo-sorbents
Chemosphere 242 , art. 125161 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125161