We studied adsorption and desorption of munitions constituents (MCs) on several soils with different properties and developed models describing the partitioning. Literature focuses on whether MC partitioning is controlled by organic matter or clay in soil. Our partitioning model incorporates both organic matter and clay with predictive capability significantly better than a model considering only one of the factors. Desorption isotherms of many MCs from soil do not follow the adsorption isotherm. A portion of the material resists desorption. The reversible/resistant model indicates that a large fraction of many compounds are not recovered in typical desorption tests. Our model assumes rapid equilibrium between soil solution and a surficial soil layer. Mass transfer resistance, controlled by diffusion, limits the rate of release of MC from the core of a soil particle. Although complete reversibility for the sorption process is assumed, the mass transfer-limited rate of release limits soil solution concentrations.

Partitioning of munitions constituents to soil

245th National Meeting (2013)

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