Adsorption of EDCs on Reclaimed Water-Irrigated Soils: A Comparative Analysis of a Branched Nonylphenol, Nonylphenol and Bisphenol A

Nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) are two typical endocrine disrupter chemicals (EDCs) in reclaimed water. In this study, the adsorptions of NP, a branched NP (NP7) and BPA on reclaimed water-irrigated soils were studied by isothermal experiments, and the different environmental factors on their adsorptions were investigated. The results showed that the adsorptions of NP and NP7 on soils conformed to the Linear model, and the adsorption of BPA conformed to the Freundlich model. The adsorptions of NP, NP7 and BPA on soils decreased with increasing temperatures and pHs. Adsorption equilibrium constant (Kd or Kf) were maximum at pH = 3, temperature 25 °C and As(III)-soil, respectively. The adsorption capacity of NP, NP7 and BPA to soils under different cation valence were as follows: neutrally > divalent cations > mono-cations. Kd of NP7 on soil was less than that of NP under different pH and temperatures, while under different cation concentrations it was the inverse. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) analysis showed alkyl chains of NP and BPA seemed to form van der Waals interactions with the cavity of soil. Results of this study will provide further comprehensive fundamental data for human health risk assessment of NP and BPA in soil.