Sorption of trichloroethylene by organo-clays in the presence of humic substances

We examined trichloroethylene sorption by organo-clays [hexadecyltrimethyla mmonium (HDTMA) and didodecyldimethylammonium (DDDMA) exchanged smectites ( SWy-1 and SAz-1)] in aqueous solutions both in the presence and absence of humic substances (Aldrich humic acid and peat fulvic acid). The results ind icated the uptake of humic substances by organo-clays and the effects of hu mic substances on trichloroethylene sorption by organo-clays were dependent on the type of organoclay and humic substance. Selection of an appropriate combination of clay and organic cation can optimize the removal of trichlo roethylene as well as humic substances from aqueous solutions by organoclay s. Organo-clays may be an alternative to activated carbon sorbents in some specific water treatment processes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.