ABSTRACT

References 112

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Ion adsorption and desorption at the mineral-water interface are important processes in soils, sediments, surface waters, and groundwater. By capturing or releasing ions, mineral surfaces play key roles in soil fertility, soil aggregation, chemical speciation, weathering, and the transport and fate of nutrients and pollutants in the environment. Proton adsorption is a very specific form of ion adsorption. This area is so important that it is usually treated separately from other forms. Most minerals have reactive surface groups that are capable of binding or releasing protons. This leads to the development of electrical charges at the surface and the ability to control the attachment of metal complexes, ions different from protons, organic molecules, polymers, microorganisms, and particles. According to Brady et al.,1 understanding proton adsorption is a necessary first step to unraveling the affinity of mineral surfaces for both inorganic and organic species.