Natural organic matter has been shown to be the dominant factor in determining equilibrium and kinetic processes during pollutant sorption and desorption phenomena in sediment and soil experiments.  While several models have been suggested for predicting these processes, few offer mechanistic interpretations since the spatial location of organic matter on sediment particles is unknown.  This investigation examined sediments from multiple locations using SEM-EDX to characterize specific particles, and subsequently analyze those particles for their elemental composition and location of carbon (NOM). By creating a carbon map of the sediment, this investigation has determined that natural organic matter is commonly present as high-density clumps on the sediment aggregates, is occasionally present on rough edges, and is dispersed in low concentrations across the entire sediment matrix.<br/>

Spatial determination of organic matter on sediment particles by scanning electron microscope analysis

2019 Fall National Meeting

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