Sorption of trichloroethylene by organo-clays in the presence of humic substances

We examined trichloroethylene sorption by organo-clays [hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) and didodecyldimethylammonium (DDDMA) exchanged smectites (SWy-1 and SAz-1)] in aqueous solutions both in the presence and absence of humic substances (Aldrich humic acid and peat fulvic acid). The results indicated the uptake of humic substances by organo-clays and the effects of humic substances on trichloroethylene sorption by organo-clays were dependent on the type of organo-clay and humic substance. Selection of an appropriate combination of clay and organic cation can optimize the removal of trichloroethylene as well as humic substances from aqueous solutions by organo-clays. Organo-clays may be an alternative to activated carbon sorbents in some specific water treatment processes.