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Effect of equilibration time on estimates of the maximum phosphorus sorption capacity of industrial by-products using the Langmuir model

  • SOILS, SEC 3 • REMEDIATION AND MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINATED OR DEGRADED LANDS • RESEARCH ARTICLE
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Abstract

Purpose

Using reactive industrial by-products (IBPs) to reduce phosphorus (P) losses associated with diffuse water pollution is a potentially cost-effective mitigation strategy. However, IBPs must be screened to assess their effectiveness and optimum application rates. This requires accurate estimates of parameters such as the maximum P sorption capacity. Traditionally, these parameters have been derived from the Langmuir model applied to data from batch sorption experiments following a 24-h equilibration period. In this paper, we examined (i) how equilibration time can influence estimates of the maximum P sorption capacity for IBPs and (ii) the relative P sorption characteristics of a range of IBPs available in the UK.

Materials and methods

Four IBPs containing different reactive components including ochre, aluminium (Al)-based water treatment residual (WTR), iron (Fe)-based WTR and Fe-lime (CaO)-based WTR were selected for this study. The maximum P sorption capacities of these IBPs were determined using a linearized Langmuir model applied to batch sorption data collected at different equilibration times of 24 h, 5 days and 10 days.

Results and discussion

The maximum P sorption capacity of ochre, Al-based WTR, Fe-based WTR and Fe-CaO-based WTR estimated from the linearized Langmuir model following a 24-h equilibration period was 10.1, 13.7, 2.4 and 9.3 mg P g−1, respectively. However, extending the equilibration time from 24 h to 5 days increased the estimated maximum P sorption capacity for these IBPs by factors of 2.2, 2.1, 6.8 and 2.3, respectively. No significant increase was found in estimates of the maximum P sorption capacity when further extending the equilibration time to 10 days.

Conclusions

A minimum equilibration period of 5 days is recommended to avoid underestimating the maximum P sorption capacity of the IBPs examined in this paper. Each of the IBPs we evaluated was able to sorb P from solution, although with variable capacity (maximum sorption capacity after 5 days of equilibration ranged from 16.3–28.5 mg P g−1). These findings emphasise the importance of accurate quantification of the P sorption capacity of IBPs before application.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Ian Hotson from United Utilities, Stuart Widdowson from the UK Coal Authority and Joe Bartram from the Integrated Water Services (IWS) for sourcing and providing information on the by-products used in this study. We also thank Helen Quirk for the support in laboratory analyses. This research was supported by IDB Merit Scholarship Program for High Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK

    Reza Habibiandehkordi, John N. Quinton & Ben W. J. Surridge

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  1. Reza Habibiandehkordi
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  2. John N. Quinton
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  3. Ben W. J. Surridge
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Correspondence to Reza Habibiandehkordi.

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Responsible editor: Jean-Paul Schwitzguébel

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Habibiandehkordi, R., Quinton, J.N. & Surridge, B.W.J. Effect of equilibration time on estimates of the maximum phosphorus sorption capacity of industrial by-products using the Langmuir model. J Soils Sediments 14, 1818–1828 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-014-0936-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-014-0936-y

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