Abstract
Sorption and desorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) on various soils were investigated. The sorption and desorption of TCE on soils could be described by the Freundlich equation. The sorption and desorption Freundlich parameter, (n) were nearly equal to unity and linear isotherms were observed at low concentration levels (ex. Andosol : < about 20 μg·l-1). The equilibrium of sorption and the first equilibrium of desorption of TCE were achieved in one day. The sorption and desorption of TCE was strongly dependent on the organic carbon content in soils. About one tenth of adsorbed TCE on soils was not desorbed by repeats of water extracts. The sorption coefficient (Ks) was less than the desorption coefficient (Kd).
