Contribution to the Study of Phosphorus Adsorption Kinetics on the Superficial Sediments of a Recently Development Artificial Estuary: Vridi Channel (Côte d'Ivoire)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to characterize phosphates adsorption kinetics on the superficial sediments of Vridi channel from its new hydromorphology. So, three scenarios have been carried out taking account the different waters seasons of this estuary by using pH and temperature as relevant parameters. In the first scenario, the experiments carried out at pH = 8 and T = 20°C to simulate phosphates adsorption on these sediments in its great cold season. In the second, the experiments carried out at pH = 8 and T = 25° C to simulate phosphates adsorption on these substrates in its hot season and small cold season. In the third, the experiments carried out at pH = 7 and T = 30°C to simulate phosphates adsorption on these sediments in its flood season. The experiences were carried out according to US EPA/530/SW-87/006-F protocol. KH2PO4 solutions were used as phosphates synthetic solutions. The experimental data were modeling by Lagergeen kinetics model (pseudo-order 1), Blanchard kinetics model (pseudo-order 2), Elovich kinetics model, Weber and Morris kinetics model and, external diffusion kinetics model. The results have showed phosphates adsorption on these sediments increase in the experiments carried out at pH = 8 and T = 20°C to those carried out at pH = 7 and T = 30°C. All experimental data have been well modeling by Blanchard kinetics model. So, these phosphates adsorption kinetics are pseudo-order 2 and the chemisorption is the dominant mechanism. The results obtained by the experimental data modeling by Weber and Morris kinetics model and external diffusion kinetics model showed that this process is not limiting by the molecular diffusion process. The experimental data have been again well modeling by Elovich kinetics model. That has confirmed the chemisorption character of this adsorption, and showed this chemisorption is activated.