Mineralization and sorption of p‐nitrophenol in estuarine sediment

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Abstract
The sorption and mineralization of p‐nitrophenol were studied in sediment from a Louisiana Gulf Coast estuary. The rate of mineralization of p‐nitrophenol, as determined by 14CO2 release, was found to be several orders of magnitude faster under oxidized (aerobic) conditions than under reduced (anaerobic) conditions. The results also indicated a rapid sorption of the compound from the water column by the sediment and only minimal re‐release. Due to sorption from the water columns and slow degradation of the compound in an anaerobic system, such as in bottom sediment, it is likely that this compound would persist for years in reduced estuarine sediment.