A lack of understanding of how problematic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and herbicides interact with soil organic matter (SOM) is an issue that can hinder remediation of polluted sites, muddy the waters when it comes to determining the ultimate fate of pollutants, and reduce the viability of risk assessment models when considering new uses for brownfield and old industrial sites. Fortunately, Canadian scientists have now suggested that a range of techniques, including NMR and mass spectrometry, could clarify the various underlying mechanisms.
According to Myrna Simpson of the University of Toronto, Canada, a combination of conventional methods, such as equilibrium sorption and isotherm modelling, with NMR characterization of organic matter in soil, could help researchers get to the root of the problem.
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