Batch Adsorption and Column Transport Studies of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in Chinese Loess

In present study, batch and column tests were conducted to investigate the kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of the adsorption and transport of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in Chinese loess with specific focus on the role of inherent colloid particles. Batch tests showed that a lot of TNT was absorbed in suspended colloid particles, and its adsorption reached equilibrium after about 10 h, the adsorption process can be best-fit by the pseudo-second order kinetic and Freundlich model. The adsorption was spontaneous, endothermic process, implying the adsorbed TNT is likely to release from soil matrix. These portend that the adsorbed TNT has a potential to co-transport with inherent colloid particles in loess. The column tests identified the potential, and showed TNT transport had obvious retardation effect, which may be ascribed to the release and transport of inherent colloidal particles as a key carrier. These findings are helpful to evaluate the loess interception and antifouling performance.