John E. Matthews

Loss of organic chemicals in soil: Pure compound treatability studies

Abstract Comprehensive screening data on the treatability of 32 organic chemicals in soil were developed. Of the evaluated chemicals, 22 were phenolic compounds. Aerobic batch laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted using two soils: an acidic clay soil with <1% organic matter and a slightly basic sandy loam soil containing 3.25% organic matter. Loss rates were determined for the 32 chemicals with each soil and were higher in the basic soil. The loss rates were compared with chemical structure. Chlorophenols with chlorine substituted in the meta‐position had greater half‐lives and lower loss rates. Chemicals with a nitro group substituted in the phenol ring appeared to have a lower loss rate.