Adsorption Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen on Aquifer Porous Media: The Role of Media Particle Size

Yang Liu, Tianyuan Zheng, Bo Guo, Shiqiang Jiang, Min Cao, Xilai Zheng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The adsorption of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) bears the potential to exert a profound influence on the migration ability and groundwater quality. However, the effects of aquifer porous media, characterized by diverse particle dimensions, on the capacity of DON adsorption remain uncertain. The present study clarifies the characteristics and intricate machinations of DON adsorption on porous media with different particle sizes. Our findings suggest that DON adsorption has the potential to achieve immediate equilibrium, and the rate of kinetic adsorption increases as the particle size decreases. Fine sand exhibits a higher adsorption rate (0.030-0.058 kg (mg h)−1) and a greater adsorption capacity (137.73-486.67 mg N kg-1). Besides, adsorption capacities of amino acids and proteins on porous media are higher, caused by the forces of hydrogen bonding and ester groups. Urea’s adsorption capacity exhibits the lowest values, and the main adsorption mechanism is the reactivity of carbonyl groups with porous media. The impact of environmental factors (DOM, metal oxides, and salinity) on adsorption pattern is mainly linked to DON types while being slightly affected by variations in the particle size of porous media. The study highlights that the capacity of DON adsorption on porous media is substantial enough to warrant consideration in site characterization and design of remediation strategies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2170-2180
Number of pages11
JournalACS ES and T Water
Volume4
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 10 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • adsorption characteristics
  • aquifer porous media
  • dissolved organic nitrogen
  • particle size

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry (miscellaneous)
  • Chemical Engineering (miscellaneous)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Water Science and Technology

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