Work

Effects of copper and lead on the sorption and desorption behaviors of benzene onto humic acids and black carbons

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, combined pollution caused by BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) and heavy metals has become ubiquitous in soils, which would pose serious health risks to humans. However, the effects of heavy metals on the sorption and desorption behaviors of BTEX have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions on the sorption and desorption of benzene onto humic acids and black carbons were investigated. The results showed that Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions significantly reduced the sorption capacity, slowed down the sorption rate, and made the desorption less hysteretic of benzene on both humic acids and black carbons. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects by Pb2+ were significantly stronger than those of Cu2+. By combining the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the site energy distribution model, it can be speculated that the hydration shells of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions partially cover the surface of humic acids and black carbons, blocking their micropores and shielding sorption sites, consequently inhibiting the sorption of benzene. This study highlights that coexisting metal cations can significantly influence the fate of BTEX in soils.

Source: Water Science & Technology

DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.372

Authors: Zhi Tang, Sen Yang, Yilian Li, Juan Du, Yangfu Xiong, Shengbo Fu

Institution: China University of Geosciences

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province, State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences