Binding of pyrene to aquatic and commercial humic substances: The role of molecular weight and aromaticity

Environmental Science & Technology
By: , and 

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Abstract

The binding of pyrene to a number of humic substances isolated from various aquatic sources and a commercial humic acid was measured using the solubility enhancement method. The humic materials used in this study were characterized by various spectroscopic and liquid chromatography methods. A strong correlation was observed between the pyrene binding coefficient, K(doc), and the molecular weights, molar absorptivities at 280 nm, and aromaticity of the aquatic humic substances. Binding of pyrene to the commercial humic acid, however, was significantly stronger and did not obey the relationships observed between K(doc) and the chemical properties of the aquatic humic substrates. These results suggest that the molecular weight and the aromatic content of the humic substrates exert influences on the binding of nonpolar and planar aromatic molecules and that the physicochemical properties of both humic materials and organic solutes are important in controlling the speciation of nonpolar organic contaminants in natural waters.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Binding of pyrene to aquatic and commercial humic substances: The role of molecular weight and aromaticity
Series title Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/es960404k
Volume 31
Issue 6
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher ACS
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 6 p.
First page 1630
Last page 1635
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