The effect of organic structures on pentachlorophenol adsorption on soil

The adsorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on a soil was studied by equilibr ating the soil (with and without its indigenous organic matter) with PCP in the presence and the absence of added natural organic species (benzoic aci d, lactic acid, glucuronic acid and catechol). Both the added organic speci es and the indigenous organic matter were found to enhance PCP adsorption, the enhancement being greater with benzoic acid than with the less hydropho bic lactic acid. Adsorption of these organic species was also enhanced by P CP, suggesting the existence of a co-operative adsorption mechanism.