Pentachlorophenol (PCP) has been widely used as a pesticide and led to serious soil contamination. In this study, the effects of three short-chain organic acids (SCOAs) on adsorption of PCP in soil and the removal of PCP by zerovalent iron in the presence of SCOAs were investigated. In alkaline conditions, SCOAs inhibited the adsorption in the order: sodium citrate > sodium tartrate > sodium lactate because of providing more carboxylates. The sorption amount of PCP decreased in the presence of 1 mM to 100 mM of sodium citrate but increased as the concentration grows to 1000 mM. Furthermore, PCP could not be removed at pH 8.0, but SCOAs could promote the removal and sodium citrate enhanced largest among the selected acids. With their strong complexion, carboxylates could inhibit iron oxide or hydroxides on the surface of iron or refresh iron surface. These findings can facilitate the remediation of organic pollutants.

Effect of short-chain organic acids on the removal of pentachlorophenol with zerovalent iron in soil

244th National Meeting (2012)

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