Adsorption of atrazine and metolachlor in three soils from Blue Creek wetlands, Waterville, Ohio

Abstract

Atrazine and metolachlor are extensively used pesticides in agricultural activities in northwest Ohio. Adsorption coefficients are often used to model pesticide fate and transport. Many physical-chemical parameters, such as organic matter, clay content, pH, and ionic strength, affect pesticide adsorption. Adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms were studied by batch experiment. Effects of humic acid, solution pH, and ionic strength on atrazine and metolachlor adsorption were also approached. After 24 h, both atrazine and metolachlor reached adsorption equilibrium in three local soils. Adsorption isotherms were described by Freundlich equations. The Freundlich coefficient (Kf) ranged from 0.14 to 4.47 (L kg−1) for atrazine, and 0.04 to 5.30 (L kg−1) for metolachlor. Adsorption capacity decreased in the order Sloan loam > Del Rey loam > Ottokee fine sand. Koc values varied considerably for both pesticides: metolachlor > in Sloan loam, atrazine ≥ metolachlor in Del Rey loam, and atrazine > metolachlor in Ottokee fine sand. In addition to organic matter content, clay played a key role in adsorption in the Del Rey loam and Ottokee fine sand. Higher adsorption was observed at pH 5 for both pesticides. As pH decreased to 3 and increased to 11, adsorption decreased. Adsorption increased as ionic strength increased.