Sorption-desorption of trinitrotoluene in soils: Effect of saturating metal cations

Clay minerals in soils control the sorption and mobility of nitroaromatics in munitions contaminated soils. Therefore, effect of exchangeable cations (NH4+, K+, Ca2+, and Al3+) on sorption-desorption of trinitrotoluene (TNT) was studied in two reference soils viz sandy loam and silty clay. Compared to control soils, K+ ion saturation significantly increased TNT sorption in both the soils, while other cations decreased TNT sorption. Effect of K+ saturation on sorption of TNT was more pronounced in organic matter poor sandy loam soil (seven times) then silty clay (two times). Desorption followed the reverse trend and greater amounts of sorbed TNT were retained in the K+ saturated soils.