Abstract
Rapid degradation of p-cresol in aerobic soil prohibited measurement of adsorption by the batch technique. Degradation of p-cresol was not observed under anaerobic conditions over a period of 96 h. Adsorption of p-cresol measured using the batch technique and soil incubated anaerobically demonstrated that adsorption equilibrium was attained within 24 h and that the Freundlich K values (K = 1.1) remained essentially constant for 96 h. Adsorption of 2,3-dichlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol by aerobic, anaerobic, and autoclaved soil was compared. Freundlich K values describing adsorption of 2,3-dichlorophenol and 2–4 dichlorophenol by aerobic and anaerobic soil were similar. Freundlich K values obtained using autoclaved soil were significantly higher. These results indicated that an accurate measurement of adsorption of labile organic compounds can be achieved by using anerobic conditions to prohibit degradative losses. Rapid degradation of p-cresol in aerobic soil prohibited measurement of adsorption by the batch technique. Degradation of p-cresol was not observed under anaerobic conditions over a period of 96 h. Adsorption of p-cresol measured using the batch technique and soil incubated anaerobically demonstrated that adsorption equilibrium was attained within 24 h and that the Freundlich K values (K = 1.1) remained essentially constant for 96 h. Adsorption of 2,3-dichlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol by aerobic, anaerobic, and autoclaved soil was compared. Freundlich K values describing adsorption of 2,3-dichlorophenol and 2–4 dichlorophenol by aerobic and anaerobic soil were similar. Freundlich K values obtained using autoclaved soil were significantly higher. These results indicated that an accurate measurement of adsorption of labile organic compounds can be achieved by using anerobic conditions to prohibit degradative losses. © Williams & Wilkins 1984. All Rights Reserved.