Adsorption of Phenanthrene and Bisphenol A on organo-nano iron oxide complexes

Organo-mineral complexes are important in regulating the transport and retention of hydrophobic organic contaminants in soils/sediments. Humic acid will be fractionated during adsorption on mineral. This study examined the sorption of model compounds with different properties (tannin acid, gallic acid, fumaric acid sodium and sodium oleate) on nano-iron oxide minerals and determined the sorption of phenanthrene and Bisphenol A on these organo-oxide complexes. The results showed that the sorption of model compounds on nano-Fe2O3 followed the order of O>T>G>F. The higher adsorption of O and T was likely attributed to their higher molecule weight. The sorption of PHE and BPA on organo-mineral complexes was controlled by hydrophobic interactions. HOCs will adsorb preferentially on hydrophobic aliphatic compositions of organic matter.