Adsorption of 17 α-ethyl estradiol with the competition of bisphenol A on the marine sediment of Hong Kong

The present experimental study was to characterize the adsorption behavior of 17 α-ethyl estradiol (EE2) onto marine sediment in both the single and binary solute systems. Stepwise spiking was innovatively performed to better understand the competition effects. Adsorption of EE2 on the marine sediment can be well fitted by the Freundlich model with an affinity coefficient (KF) varying from 15.8 to 39.8L/kg. It was significantly influenced by SOM and the particle properties. Co-presence of BPA brought about a significant competition effect on the adsorption of EE2, leading to a reduced EE2 adsorption. The competitive effect imposed by EE2 to BPA, however, was even more serious owing probably to the large molecular structure and high hydrophobicity of EE2. The sediment sample with the highest SOM and SSA presented a mild competition effect, while the sediment with the lowest SOM and largest particle size exhibited the most serious competition effect. The competitive adsorption of BPA and EE2 onto the marine sediment. [Display omitted] •Sediment adsorption of either BPA or EE2 is suppressed by the presence of the other.•Stepwise chemical spiking exhibits more serious competitive effects than co-spiking.•Condensed SOM and fine-pore structure in sediment lessens the competitive effect.•SOM and particle surface properties greatly affect EE2 adsorption by the sediment.