Water Particulate Matter Research Articles

Study on the diffusion and blocking behavior of bubble plumes in Cross-Flow

Abstract With the deepening of the concept of environmental protection, environmental problems in dredging engineering have attracted more and more attention. The diffusion of suspended particulate matter is inevitable in the process of dredging. A bubble plume, as a multiphase linear plume, has been widely studied because it can block the diffusion of suspended particulate matter in water. To explore the formation characteristics of the bubble plume, we evaluate the formation quality of the bubble plume qualitatively and quantitatively, analyze the effect of the bubble plume on blocking the diffusion of suspended particulates under different operating conditions (the type of bubble plume generation device, the number of bubble plume rows, and the ventilation flow rate) and environmental conditions (water flow velocity), and study the movement trajectory of blocked particles and blocked failed particles. A series of experiments on bubble plume characteristics and bubble plume blocking the diffusion of suspended particles were conducted to analyze the particle distribution characteristics and bubble plume blocking effect under the interaction of transverse flow and bubble plume. The results show that the better the quality of the bubble plume is, the lower the transverse flow intensity is, and the better the barrier effect of the bubble plume is.

Sediment records and multi-media transfer and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Dianchi Lake over the past 100 years

This study analyzed the fate and transfer of PAHs through multiple media in Dianchi Lake and the sediment records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments. The model simulation results showed the simulated concentrations to be in good agreement with the measured values. The concentration and total amount of PAHs were the highest in the sediment, which is an important sink for PAHs in lake systems. The main transport direction of the PAHs in the three phases was from the atmosphere to the water to the sediment. Advection and emission inputs were the primary input pathways for PAHs in the atmosphere, and advection output was the main removal path. The main input sources pathways for PAHs in sediments was the sedimentation of particulate matter in water, with diffusion and degradation being the primary methods of removal. Advection and atmospheric dry and wet deposition were the main sources of PAHs in water, with particulate deposition being the primary removal process. The range of PAHs was 336–3520 ng/g in sediments in Dianchi Lake, with an average of 1569 ng/g, peaking in 2012. Among the predicted future PAH concentrations in the sediments under the five shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), the lowest PAH concentration was found under SSP3 from 2025 to 2035, whereas the lowest PAH concentration was found under SSP4 from 2035 to 2050. In the sustainable path of SSP1, although the concentration of PAH pollutants showed an increasing trend in the short term, the increase in PAHs concentration in sediments slowed in the long run.

Chemical characterization and speciation of the soluble fraction of Arctic PM10

The chemical composition of the soluble fraction of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and how these components can combine with each other to form different species affect the chemistry of the aqueous phase dispersed in the atmosphere: raindrops, clouds, fog, and ice particles. The study was focused on the analysis of the soluble fraction of Arctic PM10 samples collected at Ny-Ålesund (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic) during the year 2012. The concentration values of Na+, K+, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe3+, Al3+, Cl−, NO2−, NO3−, SO42−, PO43−, formate, acetate, malonate, and oxalate in the water-soluble fraction of PM10 were determined by atomic spectroscopy and ion chromatography. Speciation models were applied to define the major species that would occur in aqueous solution as a function of pH (2–10). The model highlights that (i) the main cations such as Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ occur in the form of aquoions in the whole investigated pH range; (ii) Cu2+, Zn2+, and, in particular, Fe3+ and Al3+ are mostly present in their hydrolytic forms; and (iii) Al3+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ form solid hydrolytic species that precipitate at pH values slightly higher than neutrality. These latter metals show interesting interactions with oxalate and sulfate ions, too. The speciation models were also calculated considering the seasonal variability of the concentration of the components and at higher concentration levels than those found in water PM extracts, to better simulate concentrations actually found in the atmospheric aqueous phase. The results highlight the role of oxalate as the main organic ligand in solution.Graphical

Sequential speciation analysis of heavy metals on suspended particulate matter in water using electrochemical mass spectrometry

An electrochemical mass spectrometry method was developed for speciation analysis of heavy metals in suspended particulate matter in lake water.

Smartphone-based holographic measurement of polydisperse suspended particulate matter with various mass concentration ratios

Real-time monitoring of suspended particulate matter (PM) has become essential in daily life due to the adverse effects of long-term exposure to PMs on human health and ecosystems. However, conventional techniques for measuring micro-scale particulates commonly require expensive instruments. In this study, a smartphone-based device is developed for real-time monitoring of suspended PMs by integrating a smartphone-based digital holographic microscopy (S-DHM) and deep learning algorithms. The proposed S-DHM-based PM monitoring device is composed of affordable commercial optical components and a smartphone. Overall procedures including digital image processing, deep learning training, and correction process are optimized to minimize the prediction error and computational cost. The proposed device can rapidly measure the mass concentrations of coarse and fine PMs from holographic speckle patterns of suspended polydisperse PMs in water with measurement errors of 22.8 ± 18.1% and 13.5 ± 9.8%, respectively. With further advances in data acquisition and deep learning training, this study would contribute to the development of hand-held devices for monitoring polydisperse non-spherical pollutants suspended in various media.

Filtration Process and Alternative Filter Media Material in Water Treatment

In drinking water treatment, filtration plays an important role in the multi-barrier approach employed for the removal of pathogens. The presence of suspended solids and other particulate matter in water increases the resistance of most microbes to disinfection. Therefore, high performance in the removal of particles achieved by granular filtration can increase the disinfection efficiency. Although sand is one of the major filter media, alternative media have been developed and used in recent years. In this review, the performance of alternative media is compared with traditional sand/anthracite for drinking water treatment. Advantages in the use of alternative media, especially glass media, have been found, including high filtration performance in removing residual particles and turbidity, minor modification requirements to the existing filtration configuration and slow head loss development. However, before the employment of them in industry, additional tests are recommended. In particular, full scale tests with variations in the operating conditions and analyses of pathogen removal should be performed. Moreover, this paper reviews the filtration processes and operating configurations which provide overall references to those who are studying and working in the field of water technology and treatment. In this paper, legislations/standards of safe drinking water are summarized as they are the driving force of developing new treatment technologies; mathematical modules for predicting the media filtration performance are briefed. Finally, future work on the application of alternative filter media is recommended.

Strongly and Loosely Bound Water in Ambient Particulate Matter—Qualitative and Quantitative Determination by Karl Fischer Coulometric Method

Simple physical characterization of water evaporation can provide detailed information regarding its component distribution in particulate matter (PM) samples. The water presence in PM can greatly influence its polarity and subsequent reaction activity, for example, in secondary inorganic and organic matter formation. In this study, the presence of PM-bound water is detected using the Karl Fischer titration method in a temperature gradient with an aim to quantitatively assess different types of water occurrence. The analyses were initiated by testing two reference materials, namely urban particulate matter 1648a and urban dust 1649b (NIST). Four different types of water were found in both NIST materials, which helped to optimize the temperature ramp program and its adjustment for real PM samples. It was found that water contents in total suspended particles (TSP) are similar to those typically occurring in urban background stations—approximately 7.12–45.13% of the TSP mass, differentiated into the following water mass contributions: 48.5% of the total water found was loosely bound water; 23.3% was attributed to the absorption water; while the missing 20% could be probably attributed to crystal water removed only above 180 °C and artifacts connected with the drift correction problem. By comparing water release curves for single PM-compounds like pure SiO2; Al2O3; NH4NO3; (NH4)2SO4 and NH4Cl with water spectra obtained for real PM samples, it was found that water in particulate matter mainly comes from the dehydration of TSP-bound crystalline like Al2O3, SiO2 and to a lesser extent from salts like NH4NO3; (NH4)2SO4 and NH4Cl. A newly used thermal ramp method was able to assess water contents from Teflon–polypropylene baked filters characterized by low melting points and therefore filter degradation even under temperatures oscillating around 200 °C. The advantage of this new work is the separation of different types of TSP-bound water contributions, facilitating and promoting further research on the origin of PM-bound water and its role in atmospheric chemistry, secondary aerosol formation and visibility.

Formation of metal-organic ligand complexes affects solubility of metals in airborne particles at an urban site in the Po valley.

Metals in atmospheric aerosols play potentially an important role in human health and ocean primary productivity. However, the lack of knowledge about solubility and speciation of metal ions in the particles or after solubilisation in aqueous media (sea or surface waters, cloud or rain droplets, biological fluids) limits our understanding of the underlying physico-chemical processes. In this work, a wide range of metals, their soluble fractions, and inorganic/organic compounds contained in urban particulate matter (PM) from Padua (Italy) were determined. Metal solubility tests have been performed by dissolving the PM in water and in solutions simulating rain droplet composition. The water-soluble fractions of the metal ions and of the organic compounds having ligand properties have been subjected to a multivariate statistical procedure, in order to elucidate associations among the aqueous concentrations of these PM components in simulated rain droplets. In parallel, a multi-dimensional speciation calculation has been performed to identify the stoichiometry and the amount of metal-ligand complexes theoretically expected in aqueous solutions. Both approaches showed that the solubility and the aqueous speciation of metal ions were differently affected by the presence of inorganic and organic ligands in the PM. The solubility of Al, Cr, and Fe was strongly correlated to the concentrations of oxalic acid, as their oxalate complexes represented the expected dominant species in aqueous solutions. Oxalates of Al represented ∼98% of soluble Al, while oxalates of Cu represented 34-75% of the soluble Cu, and oxalates of Fe represented 76% of soluble Fe. The oxidation state of Fe can strongly impact the speciation picture. If Fe is present as Fe(II) rather than Fe(III), the amount of Cr and Cu complexed with diacids can increase from 75% to 94%, and from 32% to 53%, respectively. For other metals, the solubility depended on the formation of soluble aquo-complexes, hence with a scarce effect of the organic ligands. An iron-oxalate complex was also directly detected in aerosol sample extracts.

Bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl acids including the isomers of perfluorooctane sulfonate in carp (Cyprinus carpio) in a sediment/water microcosm.

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) were exposed to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) isomers in an artificially contaminated sediment/water microcosm. The uptake constant of PFAAs increased with increasing carbon chain length, whereas the elimination coefficient displayed the opposite trend, suggesting that carbon chain length plays an important role in the bioaccumulation of PFAAs. When the contribution of suspended particulate matter was taken into account, the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) became lower (3.61-600 L/kg) compared with BAFs derived from only considering the absorption from free PFAAs in water (3.85-97000 L/kg). The results indicate that suspended particulate matter in water constitutes an important source of exposure for aquatic organisms to long-chain PFAAs. Linear (n-)PFOS was preferentially accumulated compared with branched isomers in carp. Among the branched isomers, 1m-PFOS displayed the greatest bioaccumulation, whereas m2 -PFOS had the lowest. Linear PFOS displayed greater partitioning ability from blood to other tissues over branched PFOS (br-PFOS) isomers, leading to a relatively lower n-PFOS proportion in blood. In summary, suspended particulate matter made a contribution to the accumulation of long-chain PFAAs in aquatic organisms, and n-PFOS was preferentially accumulated compared with br-PFOS isomers. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3005-3013. © 2016 SETAC.

Comparison of UV–VIS and FDOM sensors for in situ monitoring of stream DOC concentrations

Abstract. Optical measurements using ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) spectrophotometric sensors and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) sensors have recently been used as proxies of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in streams and rivers at a high temporal resolution. Despite the merits of the sensors, temperature changes and particulate matter in water can interfere with the sensor readings, over- or underestimating DOC concentrations. However, little efforts have been made to compare responses of the two types of the sensors to critical interferences such as temperature and turbidity. The performance of a UV–VIS sensor and an FDOM sensor was compared in both laboratory experiments and in situ monitoring in a forest stream in Korea during three storm events. Although the UV–VIS sensor did not require temperature correction in laboratory experiments using the forest stream water, the deviations of its values from the DOC concentrations measured with a TOC analyzer increased linearly as turbidity increased. In contrast, the FDOM sensor outputs decreased significantly as temperature or turbidity increased, requiring temperature and turbidity correction for in situ monitoring of DOC concentrations. The results suggest that temperature correction is relatively straightforward but turbidity correction may not be simple because the attenuation of light by particles can significantly reduce the sensitivity of the sensors in highly turbid waters. Shifts in composition of fluorophores also need to be carefully tracked using periodically collected samples since light absorbance and fluorescence can vary as the concentrations of dominant fluorophores change.

Light attenuation – a more effective basis for the management of fine suspended sediment than mass concentration?

Fine sediment continues to be a major diffuse pollution concern with its multiple effects on aquatic ecosystems. Mass concentrations (and loads) of fine sediment are usually measured and modelled, apparently with the assumption that environmental effects of sediment are predictable from mass concentrations. However, some severe impacts of fine sediment may not correlate well with mass concentration, notably those related to light attenuation by suspended particles. Light attenuation per unit mass concentration of suspended particulate matter in waters varies widely with particle size, shape and composition. Data for suspended sediment concentration, turbidity and visual clarity (which is inversely proportional to light beam attenuation) from 77 diverse New Zealand rivers provide valuable insights into the mutual relationships of these quantities. Our analysis of these relationships, both across multiple rivers and within individual rivers, supports the proposition that light attenuation by fine sediment is a more generally meaningful basis for environmental management than sediment mass. Furthermore, optical measurements are considerably more practical, being much cheaper (by about four-fold) to measure than mass concentrations, and amenable to continuous measurement. Mass concentration can be estimated with sufficient precision for many purposes from optical surrogates locally calibrated for particular rivers.

Empirical relationship among wavelength, reflectance, and concentration of suspended particulate matter in water based on a laboratory experiment

A laboratory experiment was designed to collect the spectral reflectance of water containing suspended particulate matter (SPM) in terms of its concentration. By performing surface-fitting analysis, an empirical relationship among the wavelength, reflectance, and concentration of SPM in water was obtained. The results showed that a linear effect of the spectral wavelength on spectral reflectance with increasing concentration of SPM in water, and the relationship between the reflectance and concentration of SPM in water is quadratic. Hyperspectral remote sensing is expected to play an important role in estimating the concentration of SPM in water.

Speciation of particulate matter and hydrocarbon emissions from biodiesel combustion and its reduction by aftertreatment

Biodiesel use in the near future is expected to grow considerably, since it is renewable, has lower net CO2 emissions, and due to the effect of legislation. All diesel fuels produce harmful emissions. Particulate matter (PM) is one of the major concerns. PM has a detrimental impact on the environment and human health, with small nano-sized particulates being especially hazardous. It is worthwhile to determine the nature of PM produced from diesel fuels, especially those derived from biodiesel, and also to ascertain whether current technology is suitable for PM exhaust removal for biodiesel. In this study ULS diesel and biodiesel (rapeseed methyl ester (RME)) were tested for combustion and emissions in a single cylinder research engine with no aftertreatment and then with aftertreatment (diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF)). A host of online and offline PM analytical techniques were used. It was found that RME combustion produces low emissions of unburnt total hydrocarbons (THCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM), but has increased emissions of NOx. Dangerous unregulated carcinogenic compounds, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, benzene, and 1,3-butadiene, were found in ULS diesel exhaust and in reduced quantities for RME. RME combustion produces significantly less solid PM (less than half) but slightly more liquid PM compared to ULS diesel. RME PM is decreased at nearly all PM sizes. However, at the small nano-particulate size RME combustion produces an increased proportion of nano-particulate and these were revealed to be of soluble organic fraction (SOF) nature (liquid PM). More than 99% of the solid PM by mass and number, was trapped by the DPF for both ULS diesel and RME. Liquid PM was filtered by more than 88% and 80% for ULS diesel and RME respectively on a mass basis (96%, 95% number basis). The bulk of the remainder is thought to be water PM. At all times overall PM levels for RME were lower than ULS diesel.

Distribution and sources of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in suspended particulate matter in water from two Brazilian estuarine systems

The levels of selected organic markers, including 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 16 of which are classified as priority pollutants by the US-EPA and perylene, aliphatic hydrocarbons (total and linear alkanes) and petroleum biomarkers (hopanes and steranes), were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the Mundaú–Manguaba estuarine-lagoon system (MMELS) in northeastern Brazil and the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) estuary in southeastern Brazil, both of which are affected by sugarcane agriculture and urbanization. A total of 33 surface water samples of SPM were collected (22 from the MMELS and 11 from the PSR). The ∑16PAH ranged from 221 to 1243 ng g −1 in the MMELS and from 228 to 1814 ng g −1 in the PSR. Hopane and sterane concentrations in the PSR were higher than in the MMELS due to the input from petrogenic sources in PSR. The contributions of higher plants were also observed by n-alkane analyses. The PAH isomeric ratios indicated that the SPM from MMELS showed characteristics of combustion from biomass or petroleum and PSR was associated to petrogenic input, either from combustion or from unburned petroleum. Three sampling sites located near to the sugarcane plant and mouth of the rivers showed higher PAH concentrations and may largely be considered as highly contaminated. However, levels of n-alkanes and petroleum biomarkers in both study areas were relatively low.

Factors structuring temporal and spatial dynamics of macrobenthic communities in a eutrophic coastal lagoon (Óbidos lagoon, Portugal)

The present work aimed to identify the main environmental drivers shaping temporal and spatial dynamics of macrobenthic communities within a eutrophic coastal lagoon. Sediments in the Óbidos lagoon showed a gradient of increasing metal contamination from the inlet area to inner branches. The mid-lower lagoon area exhibited an intermediate contaminated condition between the inlet and upstream areas, suggesting that the effects of the organic loadings into the lagoon may be reflected until this area. This transitional feature was corroborated by biological data, with macrobenthic assemblages displaying characteristics of down- and upstream areas. Macrobenthic abundance peaked in winter, which was associated with a higher nutrient availability (mainly ammonium) and the proliferation of green macroalgae in mid-lower and inner lagoon areas. However, massive macroalgae growth resulted in a sharp decrease of macrobenthic diversity and abundance in spring, particularly where the higher amounts of decaying algae were detected. Higher dissimilarities between assemblages were detected during winter (and spring, for trophic composition), while in summer, differences were highly attenuated. The least contaminated area (close to the sea inlet) experienced smaller temporal variations for environmental variables, as well as the lowest temporal biological variability. This area was dominated by carnivores, which were related with increased salinity. Deposit-feeders were numerically dominant in the lagoon, being generally spread within organically enriched sandy and muddy areas. The high concentration of chlorophyll a and suspended particulate matter in water was reflected in the abundance of deposit-feeders/suspension-feeders, taking benefit of the high primary productivity. On the other hand, deposit-feeders/herbivores responded to the decay of macroalgae mats in the sediment. Biological associations varied with the biological data used (taxonomic versus trophic group composition; abundance versus biomass), highlighting the relevance of the combination of different data analysis’ approaches. In general, BIOENV analysis indicated total phosphorus, biomass of Ulva, metals and organic carbon and nitrogen as being significantly influencing benthic patterns. On the other hand, discrepancies in ecological behaviours of some taxa were also detected in the present study stressing the need for additional studies on the relationships between macrobenthic communities and environmental variables. Implications of the present results for monitoring studies are discussed.

Detection of biocolloids in aquatic media by Nano-Particle Analyzer

The Nano-Particle Analyzer (NPA) based on Laser-Induced Breakdown Detection (LIBD) selectively generates and detects plasma events on colloids in aquatic media. Here, it is made use of the fact that the power density required for plasma generation decreases from the gaseous to the solid medium. At an adequate laser pulse energy, plasmas can thus be generated selectively on colloids. The detections of biocolloids by LIBD-based NPA as described in this paper for the first time clearly reveal that the method is well suited for detecting not only non-biological particulate matter in water, but also microorganisms in the transition range between solid and liquid matter. Consequently, the method can be used for online-monitoring, for example of both the non-biological and biological particulate content during the purification, transport and storage of drinking water. It is further possible to monitoronlinecontamination of pure water or process chemicals by biological matter e.g. in biomedical industry.

Measuring multimodal size distributions of aquatic colloids at trace concentrations

Many applications in research as well as industry require a highly sensitive detection of particulate matter in water or process liquids. We present a technique to measure the distribution of colloid sizes between 20 and 100nm in situ at ultratrace concentrations. The method is based on laser-induced breakdown detection, which has been applied for trace detection of colloids and determination of the weighted mean size. Using a refined method of data evaluation, we are now able to measure the number density of inorganic colloids in six size classes between 20 and 100nm simultaneously below ppb concentration.

Ecology of proteocephalus torulosus in the blue bream (Abramis ballerus) fromthe oder river on the borders of germany and poland

During studies on the ecology of fish helminths, the tapeworm Proteocephalus torulosus (Batsch, 1786) was frequently found in the intestine of the blue bream (Abramis ballerus) from the Oder River (Germany/Poland). In total, 633 fish, ranging between two and 16 years old, were sampled at monthly intervals over a two year period during 1993-1995. Statistically significant differences in the seasonal occurrence of the parasite in its fish host were observed. In 1993, the prevalence remained at a high level, ranging between 61. 9 and 100%. During the summer of 1994, this value decreased to 5.5% and remained low for the rest of the year. The pattern of mean intensity of infection was similar to that of the prevalence. In 1993, the mean intensity varied between 8.4 and 31.8 worms per infected fish, with a continual loss of worms being observed in the summer of 1994. Changes in the amount of suspended particulate matter in water have been identified as the main cause of these observed differences in the course of infection of blue bream.

U-Th isotope systematics from the Soreq cave, Israel and climatic correlations

Precise 230Th 234U ages were obtained on thirty-one growth laminae in speleothem samples which are self-consistent with the detailed layer stratigraphy. Samples with low 232Th 238U ratios give ages with analytical uncertainties of 40 years at 2 ky and 1000 years at 90 ky. Some growth zones with high but variable 232Th 238U were dated by intermal isochrons. This permits the determination of the initial 230Th 232Th assuming equilibrium of 232Th and 238U series in the source of the high 232Th component. This shows initial ( 230Th 232Th) (in activity units) of from 1.3 to 2.9. The calculated atomic ratios of 232Th 238U for the high 232Th component range from 1.08 to 2.4 which is well below the average crustal value. Speleothem materials with high 232Th 238U are found to exhibit clear correlations of 232Th with Si, Al and Fe, while 238U correlates with Sr and Ba. Analyses of Soreq cave drip waters show that the particulates in the waters have high 232Th concentrations and a 232Th 238U ratio much lower than that found in the high 232Th component in speleothems but with 230Th 232Th) = 1.0 to 2.4. We infer that the trapped high-Th component in speleothems is from particulate matter in water with a large concentration of adsorbed U and not simply from detrital material. The speleothems have only small 234U excess The initial 234U 238U) 0 show a range of 1.02 to 1.14 that was found to correlate with age over the past 25 ky. The youngest samples have values in the same range as the modern drip waters. There appears to be a correlation of 234U 238U) 0 with the δ 18O values. There is a drop of δ 18O in the time interval 20 to 15 ky which then remains relatively constant to recent times. As the high δ 18O values have been related to rainfall and associated climatic conditions, we suggest that the 234U 238U in the speleothem reflects the effects of rainfall and soil weathering conditions on drip-water composition and may provide a proxy for climate change.

Sorption of two polar herbicides in soils and soil clays suspensions

Adsorption of the polar herbicides thiazafluron (1,3-dimethyl-1-(5-trifluromethyl-1,3,4-thia-diazol-2-yl)urea) and metamitron (4-amino-4,5-dihydro-3-methyl-6-phenyl-1,2,4-triazin-5-one) in the aqueous suspension of five soils of southern Spain, their respective clay fractions (with diverse organic carbon content and clay mineralogy) and model pure clay minerals has been monitored as an integrated study to assess the role of the diverse colloidal soil components and their solid/solution ratio, as relevant to the transport of contaminants by particulate matter in water. Adsorption isotherms obtained were analysed and fitted to the logarithmic form of the Freundlich equation and adsorption coefficients K f calculated. Thiazafluron adsorbs on soils, soil clays and model mineral sorbents to a higher extent than the herbicide metamitron due to their different molecular structure. The sorption of both herbicides in clay fractions increases with decreasing solid/solution ratio. The highest K f value at high solid/solution ratio for both herbicides is found in a saline soil with its clay fraction predominantly composed of an altered illite mineral which behaves as a montmorillonite. Thiazafluron and metamitron also show the highest adsorption capacity (at low solid/solution ratio) on a predominantly montmorillonitic clay fraction of low cation exchange capacity (CEC), whereas low adsorption is found on a montmorillonitic clay fraction of high CEC. The negative influence of the clay CEC is confirmed in adsorption studies on pure clay minerals suspensions. The sorption of both herbicides by soil clays after removing organic matter (OM), shows that contribution of the colloidal OM is very low for thiazafluon, although rather important for metamitron. The influence of the different nature of the OM associated to the clay fractions of diverse soils is suggested. The mineral components of the soil clays, especially expandable layer silicates such as montmorillonite and a type of altered illite, are revealed to be responsible for the adsorption and hence the transport of these polar herbicides by waters in contact with soils or fine-size soil separates. Not only the relative amounts of the organic and inorganic components are important, but also the surface properties and the accessibility of the functional active groups of the herbicide molecule to those surfaces.