Highly efficient uranium (VI) capture from aqueous solution by means of a hydroxyapatite-biochar nanocomposite: Adsorption behavior and mechanism.

The exploration and rational design of easily separable and highly efficient sorbents with the sufficient capability of retaining radioactive and toxic uranium U(VI) is paramount. In this study, a hydroxyapatite (HAP) biochar nanocomposite (BR/HAP) was successfully fabricated from rice straw biochar (BR), to be used as a new and efficient adsorbent for removing U(VI) from aqueous solution. Both BR and the BR/HAP composite were characterized via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. Batch test results showed that BR/HAP exhibited remarkably higher adsorption capacity than the raw BR. A pseudo-second order kinetic model thoroughly explained the adsorption kinetics, providing the maximum U(VI) adsorption capacities (qe) of 110.56 mg g-1 (R2 = 0.98) and 428.25 mg g-1 (R2 = 0.99), for BR and BR/HAP, respectively, which was indicative of the rate-limited sorption via diffusion or surface complexation after rapid initial adsorption steps. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted the experimental data to accurately simulate the adsorption of U(VI) onto BR and BR/HAP (R2 = 0.97 and R2 = 0.99). The thermodynamic results showed negative values for ΔG°, clearly indicating that the reaction was spontaneous, as well as positive values for ΔH° (11.04 kJ mol-1 and 28.86 kJ mol-1, respectively) and ΔS° (88.97 kJ mol-1 K-1, and 183.42 kJ mol-1 K-1), making clear the endothermic nature of U(VI) adsorption onto both sorbents, with an increase in randomness at a molecular level. FTIR spectroscopy and XPS spectrum further confirmed that the primary mechanisms were ion exchange with UO22+ and surface complexion by -OH and -COOH. In addition, BR/HAP showed an excellent reusability, making it a promising candidate as a new sorbent for U(VI) removal from wastewater. In view of that, it would be interesting to perform future research to explore practical implications of this sorbent material regarding protection from environmental and public health issues related to that pollutant.

Adsorption of arsenic (III) from aqueous solution by a novel phosphorus-modified biochar obtained from Taraxacum mongolicum Hand-Mazz: Adsorption behavior and mechanistic analysis.

A novel phosphorus (P) modified biochar (PLBC) was produced by pyrolyzing biomass of the dietic herb Taraxacum mongolicum Hand-Mazz (TMHM) and treating it with monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4). This phosphorous loaded biochar was then assessed as adsorbent for As(III) removal from contaminated water. In the current research, the adsorbent was characterized before and after P loading by means of SEM-EDX, TEM, FTIR and XRD techniques. It was evidenced that the presence of P on the surface of the biochar (BC) could improve its efficiency to remove As(III) from contaminated environments. Adsorption kinetics were evaluated by performing batch-type experiments at varied times and pH values (5, 7 and 9). The kinetic study revealed that a contact time of 24 h was required to attain equilibrium and the experimental data were best fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (qe = 17.1 mg g-1). In addition, several batch experiments were conducted with varied arsenic concentrations. During the adsorption tests, the maximum adsorption of As(III) was found at pH 5. The adsorption study further showed that compared to BC, PLBC depicted increased removal of As(III) from contaminated solutions. The adsorption experimental data showed the best fit to the Langmuir isotherm model (with R2 = 0.84), with maximum As(III) adsorption capacity reaching 30.76 mg g-1 for PLBC.

Novel Viologen Derivative Based Uranyl Coordination Polymers Featuring Photochromic Behaviors.

A series of novel uranyl coordination polymers have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. Both complexes 1 and 2 prosess two ipbp- ligands (H2 ipbpCl=1-(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium chloride), one uranyl cation, and two coordination water molecules, which can further extend to 2D networks through hydrogen bonding. In complex 1, two sets of equivalent nets are entangled together, resulting in a 2D + 2D → 3D polycatenated framework. In complex 2, the neighbouring equivalent nets interpenetrate each other, forming a twofold interpenetrated network. Complexes 3 and 4 are isomers, and both of them are constructed from (UO2 )2 (OH)2 dinuclear units, which are connected with four ipbp- ligands. The 3D structures of complexes 3 and 4 are similar along the b axis. Similar to other viologen-based coordination polymers, complexes 3 and 4 exhibit photochromic and thermochromic properties, which are rarely observed in actinide coordination polymers. Unlike the monotonous coordination mode in complexes 1-4, the ipbp- ligands feature a µ3 -bridge through two kinds of coordination modes in complex 5. Notably, complex 5 presents a unique example in which terminal pyridine nitrogen atom is involved in the coordination.

"Two-in-one" dual-function luminescent MOF hydrogel for onsite ultra-sensitive detection and efficient enrichment of radioactive uranium in water.

In consideration of the severe hazards of radioactive uranium pollution and the growing demand of uranium resources, the novel sensor/adsorbent composite was creatively developed to integrate the dual functions for on-site detection of uranium contamination and efficient recovery of uranium resources. By hybridizing the luminescent 3D terbium (III) metal-organic framework (Tb-MOF) with sodium alginate (SA) gel using terbium (III) as cross-linker, the Tb-MOF/Tb-AG was fabricated with multi-luminescence centers and sufficient binding sites for uranium. Notably, the ultra-high sensitivity with detection limit as low as 1.2 ppt was achieved, which was 4 orders of magnitude lower than the uranium contamination standard in drinking water (USEPA) and even comparable to the sensitivity of the ICP-MS. Furthermore, the very wide quantification range (1.0 ×10-9-5.0 ×10-4 mol/L), remarkable adsorption capacity (549.0 mg/g) and outstanding anti-interference ability have been achieved without sophisticated sample preparation procedures. Applied in complex natural water samples from Uranium Tailings and the Pearl River, this method has shown good detection accuracy. The ultra high sensitivity and great adsorption capacity for uranium could be ascribed to the synergistic coordination, hydrogen bonding and ion exchange between uranium and Tb-MOF/Tb-AG. The mechanisms were explored by infrared spectroscopy, batch experiments, X-ray photoelectron studies and energy dispersive spectroscopic studies. In addition, the Tb-MOF/Tb-AG can be reused for uranium adsorption.

Fabrication, characterization and U(VI) sorption properties of a novel biochar derived from Tribulus terrestris via two different approaches.

Water contamination due to radionuclides is considered a crucial environmental issue. In this study, Tribulus terrestris plant biomass was used as a precursor for obtaining biochar (BC), that was further modified by two different methods using FeCl3 to obtain two different magnetic biochars. Both (one-step biochar, called 1S-BC, and two-steps biochar, called 2S-BC) were studied to investigate their capability for adsorbing/removing uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions. The U(VI) removal efficacy of both biochars was tested for different values of pH, ionic strength, initial concentration of U(VI) and temperature. Experimental adsorption data fitted well to the Freundlich model (achieving as highest value for adsorption capacity KF = 49.56 mg g-1 (mg L-1)-1/n, R2 = 0.99). Thermodynamic studies revealed that adsorption was endothermic, characterized by inner-sphere complexation, and entropy-driven with a relatively increased randomness in the solid-solution interface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that U(VI) sorption took place by surface complexation between U(VI) and oxygen containing functional groups on both biochars. Five consecutive regeneration cycles verified an excellent reusability for 1S-BC. The overall results allow to conclude that the FeCl3 modification of the biochar obtained from Tribulus terrestris plant biomass could give an efficient alternative adsorbent for U(VI) removal in a variety of environmental conditions, promoting protection of the environment and human health, as well as facilitating resource utilization and sustainable management of the materials studied.

Enhanced adsorption of aqueous Pb(II) by modified biochar produced through pyrolysis of watermelon seeds.

A biochar (BC) was obtained by the pyrolysis of watermelon seeds (WM) in nitrogen environment. In addition, a modified biochar (HP-BC) was obtained by means of H2O2 treatment of BC. Later on, both kinds of biochar (BC and HP-BC) were characterized and compared as regards their potential for Pb(II) adsorption from wastewater. Characterization was performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta potential analysis, elemental mapping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pb(II) adsorption characteristics for HP-BC and BC as were evaluated as a function of solution pH, contact time and Pb(II) equilibrium concentration, using kinetic and thermodynamic studies, as well as adsorption isotherms. Regarding kinetics, the pseudo-second order model showed good fitting to experimental data. Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacities were calculated as 44.32 mg g-1 and 60.87 mg g-1 for BC and HP-BC, respectively. Thermodynamic study indicated that Pb(II) adsorption onto BC and HP-BC was spontaneous and primarily governed by chemisorption and surface complexation. In view of the results, the H2O2 modification of the watermelon seeds biochar can be considered as a promising and cost effective approach as regards Pb(II) removal from water/wastewater, which would not cause adverse impacts on the surrounding environments. Overall, it can be seen as a procedure promoting the effective recycling of a waste/by-product, in line of the precepts of the circular economy, aiding to protect human and environmental health.

Utilization of Citrullus lanatus L. seeds to synthesize a novel MnFe2O4-biochar adsorbent for the removal of U(VI) from wastewater: Insights and comparison between modified and raw biochar.

Uranium (U) is a radioactive and highly toxic metal. Its excessive concentrations in the aqueous environments may result in severe and irreversible damage. To fight this hazard, a raw biochar was prepared from Citrullus lanatus L. seeds, then characterized and compared with a MnFe2O4 modified biochar, both tested for U(VI) adsorption from wastewater, which was assayed for the first time in this study. The characterization of the adsorbent materials was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) with elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The effects of solution pH, concentration of sorbate and sorbents, temperature, time and ionic strength were assessed as regards their influence on U(VI) adsorption. The experimental adsorption data showed good fit to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model (reaching a value of qe = 15.12 mg g-1, R2 = 0.96 at equilibrium), and to the Langmuir isotherm (achieving a maximum score of qmax = 27.61 mg g-1, R2 = 0.96). The maximum adsorption capacity was found at 318 K. The results of the study indicate that the binding of negatively charged functional groups (carbonyls, hydroxyls, and some carboxylic groups) with MnFe2O4 significantly enhanced U(VI) adsorption. In view of the overall results, it can be concluded that the MnFe2O4 modification of the Citrullus lanatus L. seeds biochar could give an efficient alternative adsorbent for U(VI) removal in a variety of environmental conditions, simultaneously promoting resource utilization and good sustainable management of the materials studied, aiding to protect the environment and human health.

Impacts of long-term inorganic and organic fertilization on phosphorus adsorption and desorption characteristics in red paddies in southern China.

Soil phosphorus (P) adsorption and desorption occur in an important endogenous cycle linked with soil fertility problems and relevant to the environmental risk assessment of P. In our study, the effect of long-term inorganic and organic fertilization on P adsorption and desorption characteristics in relation to changes in soil properties was evaluated by selecting three long-term experimental sites in southern China. The selected treatments at each site were CK (unfertilized), NPK (synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and NPKM (synthetic NPK plus manure). The adsorption and desorption characteristics of P were evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results showed that long-term application of NPK plus manure significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC), total P and available P at all three sites compared with the NPK and CK treatments. All three treatments fit these equations well. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of P increased with NPKM treatment, and the binding energy of P (K) and the maximum buffering capacity (MBC) showed increasing trends. NPKM showed the highest Qm (2346.13 mg kg-1) at the Jinxian site, followed by Nanchang (221.16 mg kg-1) and Ningxiang (2219.36 mg kg-1). Compared to CK and NPK, the NPKM treatment showed a higher MBC as 66.64, 46.93 and 44.39 L kg-1 at all three sites. The maximum desorption capacity (Dm) of P in soil was highest with the NPKM treatment (157.58, 166.76, 143.13 mg kg-1), showing a better ability to release P in soil. The correlation matrix showed a significant positive correlation of SOC, total and available P with Qm, Dm and MBC. In conclusion, it is suggested that manure addition is crucial to improve P utilization in red paddy soils within the recommended range to avoid the risk of environmental pollution.

Impregnation of magnetic - Momordica charantia leaf powder into chitosan for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous and polluted wastewater.

Uranium (U(VI)) is radioactive and the primary raw material in the production of nuclear energy. Hence the research associated with uranium removal gained a lot of importance because to reduce the threat of uranium contamination to ecology and its environment surroundings. Thus, economically as well as environmentally friendly sorbents with a good sorption capacity have to be acquired for the removal of U(VI) pollutants from the aqueous and polluted sea samples. In this study magnetic- Momordica charantia leaf powder impregnated into chitosan (m-MCLPICS) was prepared through the impregnation method. After preparation the adsorbent undergone through various characterizations such as BET, XRD, FTIR, SEM with elemental mapping, and VSM analysis. The specific surface area (93.12 m2/g), pore size (0.212 cm3/g) and pore volume (15.35 nm) of m-MCLPICS was obtained from the BET analysis. A pH value of 5 and 0.5 g of adsorbent dose were selected as an optimum values for U(VI) removal. Kinetic data follows the pseudo-second-order model, and the equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model. ΔG° (-1.6999, -2.4994, -3.5476 and -4.5147 kJ/mol), ΔH0 (25.1 kJ/mol) and ΔS0 (0.089 kJ/mol K) indicates that the U(VI) sorption process is feasible, spontaneous and endothermic.

Preparation of novel aminated chitosan schiff's base derivative for the removal of methyl orange dye from aqueous environment and its biological applications.

A novel, eco-friendly aminated chitosan Schiff's base (ACSSB@ZnO) was developed and utilized to remove MO from aqueous environment. The impact of different significant parameters, for example, pH (3-11), adsorbent dose (0.1-0.6 g), contact time (0-120 min), and temperature (303-323 K) have been explored by batch process. Kinetic data was illustrated by pseudo-second-order model and the isotherms fitted well with Langmuir isotherm model. The highest sorption capacity of ACSSB@ZnO was observed to be 111.11 mg/g at 323 K. Positive enthalpy and entropy values demonstrated that the MO adsorption procedure was an endothermic. Negative Gibbs free energy values implied the spontaneous nature of the adsorption system. Moreover, reusability experiments were studied and it can be regenerated by using NaOH as effluent.

Removal of U(VI) from aqueous and polluted water solutions using magnetic Arachis hypogaea leaves powder impregnated into chitosan macromolecule.

In this study m-AHLPICS (magnetic Arachis hypogaea leaves powder impregnated into chitosan) was prepared and utilized as an adsorbent to remove U(VI) from aqueous and real polluted wastewater samples. m-AHLPICS was characterized by using the BET, XRD, FTIR, SEM with elemental mapping and magnetization measurements. Different experimental effects such as pH, dose, contact time, and temperature were considered broadly. Chitosan modified magnetic leaf powder (m-AHLPICS) exhibits an excellent adsorption capacity (232.4 ± 5.59 mg/g) towards U(VI) ions at pH 5. Different kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order models were used to know the kinetic data. Langmuir, Freundlich and D-R isotherms were implemented to know the adsorption behavior. Isothermal information fitted well with Langmuir isotherm. Kinetic data followed by the pseudo-second-order kinetics (with high R2 values, i.e., 0.9954, 0.9985 and 0.9971) and the thermodynamic data demonstrate that U(VI) removal using m-AHLPICS was feasible, and endothermic in nature.

Modification of chitosan macromolecule and its mechanism for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous environment.

It is well-known that heavy metals are non-biodegradable and have been showing remarkable impacts on the environment, public health and economics. Because of high toxic tendency, lead (Pb), is one of the foremost considerable hazardous metal with high environmental impacts. Chitosan is a polysaccharide, and can be utilized in wastewater treatment because of its good sorption ability. Amino and hydroxyl groups (C-3 position) on chitosan can serve as electrostatic interaction and complexation sites for metal cations. Chemical crosslinking can effectively enhance the stability of chitosan in acidic media. Hence a novel, cost-effective and eco-friendly ZnO incorporated into aminated chitosan Schiff's base (ACSSB@ZnO) has been synthesized, characterized (BET, XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM and 1H NMR), and utilized as an adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) ions from the aqueous environment. The various operating parameters, such as pH (2-8), agitation speed (30-180), adsorbent dose (0.1-0.8 g), contact time (0-140 min), metal ion concentration and temperature (303-323 K) were investigated. The maximum sorption capacity of Pb(II) onto ACSSB@ZnO was found to be 55.55 mg/g. The equilibrium, and kinetic studies suggested that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-Second-Order model. Thermodynamic data showed that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic.

Shape-dependent adsorption of CeO2 nanostructures for superior organic dye removal.

Highly efficient removal of dye pollutants from water resources remains a great challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a new approach for the efficient removal of anionic organic dyes from wastewater using shape-dependent CeO2 nanostructures. It was found that the volume stoichiometry ratio of ethanol to water (EtOH/H2O) was a key factor affecting the CeO2 nanostructures. Accordingly, the adsorption capacity of the spindle CeO2 nanostructure for Congo red reached 162.4 mg g-1, which is much higher than that of octahedral and spherical CeO2 or other adsorbents previously reported. The superior adsorption performance may be mainly attributed to the peculiar structure and presence of electrostatic interactions between the sample surface and dye molecules. This finding will provide new avenues for using promising adsorbent materials for dye removal in water treatments.

[Absorption of Uranium with Tea Oil Tree Sawdust Modified by Succinic Acid].

In order to explore how the modification of succinic acid improves the adsorption of tea oil tree sawdust for uranium, the tea oil tree sawdust was modified by succinic acid, after the pretreatments of crushing, screening, alkalization and acidification. Infrared analysis indicated carboxylic acid groups and ester groups were added to the sawdust after modification, and scanning electron microscope demonstrated after modification the appearance of tea oil tree sawdust was transferred from the structure like compact and straight stripped into the structure like loose and wrinkled leaves, which meant modification increased its inner pores. By the static experiments, effects of reaction time between adsorbent and solvent, dosage of adsorbent, temperature, pH value and initial concentration of uranium were investigated. The results showed that after the modification by succinic acid, the absorption rate of tea oil tree sawdust for uranium increased significantly by about 20% in 12.5 mg · L(-1) initial concentration uranium solution. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 180 min, and the kinetic data can be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The experimental adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir and Freundlich models. In addition, the maximum adsorption amounts of tea oil tree sawdust after modification calculated from Langmuir equation raised from 21.413 3 to 31.545 7 mg · g(-1) at 35°C and pH 4.0.

[Adsorption characteristics and mechanism of uranium on attapulgite].

The adsorption characteristics of uranium on attapulgite were investigated by conducting a series of batch adsorption experiments in this study. The influence of solution pH, initial uranium concentration and contact time was investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the surface structure of the attapulgite, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) were used to characterize the surface properties of the attapulgite before and after uranium adsorption, and to analyze the adsorption mechanism and adsorption kinetics of uranium on attapulgite. The experimental results showed that sorption of uranium on attapulgite was strongly dependent on pH, and the highest adsorption reached at pH = 5. The adsorption quantity increased with time, adsorption could achieve balance in 2 h. The adsorption isotherm equation conformed to the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model and adsorption process could be described by the two-order kinetics model. According to FTIR spectral, the absorbance of attapulgite decreased, which may result from R--OUO2+ or (R--O)2UO2 formed by the bond between uranium and R-OH of attapulgite in the high frequency area 3700-3000 cm(-1), and which uranium ion and magnesium ions may produce ion exchanges in the intermediate frequency area 1700-800 cm(-1). Adsorption mechanism of uranium on attapulgite was mainly ion exchange and complexation.

Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta, China.

The endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was investigated in 28 riverine sediments from the Pearl River system, China and analyzed by an ultrasonication extraction and GC-MS method. The concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), 4-nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) in the sediments were in the ranges of <2.0-210, 107-16198 and <1.7-430 ng/g dw, respectively. The steroid estrogens estrone (E1) and 17ß-estradiol (E2) in the sediments ranged from <1.3 to 10.9 ng/gdw and from <0.9 to 2.6 ng/gdw, respectively. The spatial distribution of these chemicals was related to the discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater along the rivers. The positive correlation between EDCs and total organic carbon indicates that sedimentary organic carbon is an important factor in controlling the distributions of EDCs. Compared with other previous studies, the ZR and DR rivers from the PRD were heavily contaminated by APs and BPA.

[Uptake of radionuclides from soil to plant and the discovery of 226Ra, 232Th hyperaccumulator].

11 sorts of plant samples and corresponding soil samples were collected in Conghua and Taishan, Pearl River Delta. The specific activity of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K of samples were investigated by using HPGe-gamma-ray spectra analysis. The results showed that the average specific activity of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil samples were 151.8, 146.3, 226.6, 665.5 Bq/kg, which were higher than the average values of China and the world. The concentration of 238U in all sort of plants are very low and most of them are lower than detection limit, while the values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were high. The contents of 226Ra and 232Th in Dicranopteris dichotoma were the highest, whose average specific activity is 285.9, 986.2 Bq/kg respectively. The average bioconcentration factors (BFs)of 26Ra, 232Th of Dicranopteris dichotoma were 2.20, 4.23, respectively, the other 10 sort of plants have BFs of 2266Ra, 232Th were in the range of 10(-1)-10(-2). The bioconcentration factors and the translocation factors of 226Ra, 232Th of Dicranopteris dichotoma. were all bigger than 1, so Dicranopteris dichotoma can be defined as hyperaccumulator of 226Ra and 232Th.

Sequential ASE extraction of alkylphenols from sediments: Occurrence and environmental implications.

The occurrence of alkylphenols (APs) including nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) in the riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China was investigated and compared by Soxhlet extraction (S-APs) with dichloromethane and by sequential accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) (A-APs) with 1:6 toluene/methanol, respectively. Concentrations of OP and NP range from <1 to 463ng/g dw and 31-21,885ng/g dw, respectively, demonstrating that the contamination level of APs in the PRD is one of the highest in the world. Moreover, the A-APs contents are highly significantly related to and on average 1.5 times the S-APs contents. For sequential two ASE extractions, APs in the first extract accounts for 82.2-99.2% of their total contents in the sequential two extractions. The correlation analysis shows that S-APs and A-APs are both significantly associated with the contents of total organic carbon (TOC), suggesting that the variable extraction efficiency of these two methods is related to the presence of condensed organic matter in the sediments.

[Competitive sorption of mixed organic pollutants by soils].

Binary sorption equilibria were measured using three different loading methods: METHOD (1): Naphthalene loaded before phenanthrene; Method (2): Both Solutes loaded simultaneously; Method (3): Naphthalene loaded after phenanthrene. Each having 110 reactors and 10 levels of initial concentrations for both tested organic solutes. This is very different from previous studies which employed one single initial concentration of the primary solute and multiple concentration levels of the competitor and loaded both solutes simultaneously. Results indicate that the adsorption behavior of the same solute on the same sorbent with competing solute is distinctly different from its single adsorption behaviors. Naphthalene isotherm becomes more linear as phenanthrene concentration increases in the binary systems tested using all three loading methods. In contrast, phenanthrene isotherm remains nonlinear when it was loaded after or loaded simultaneously with naphthalene. It becomes more linear as a function of naphthalene concentration only when phenanthrene was loaded before naphthalene. The Koc values decrease as a function of competing solute concentration (c(e)), and approach to the lowest value when this c, is about 0.5 Sw. IAST provides better predictions for the sorption only when the competing solute is at lower c(e)(< 0.01 Sw). Large-size and more hydrophobic phenanthrene competes favorably with the small-size and relatively less hydrophobic naphthalene, and the heterogeneity of natural organic matter associated with the soil may have strong influence on the competitive phenomena between the tested solutes.