(Sorption of Organics) Based on the data below, what are the physical characteri
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Question
(Sorption of Organics) Based on the data below, what are the physical characteristics that control soil retention capacity:
Fuel (ppm of fuel in soil)
Gravel
Coarse sand
Medium sand
Fine sand
Gasoline
1000
1600
3200
5,000
Diesel
2000
3200
6400
10,000
No. 6 Fuel Oil
4000
6400
12,800
20,000
Think of other key factors influencing sorption. List and explain a few.
Fuel (ppm of fuel in soil)
Gravel
Coarse sand
Medium sand
Fine sand
Gasoline
1000
1600
3200
5,000
Diesel
2000
3200
6400
10,000
No. 6 Fuel Oil
4000
6400
12,800
20,000
Explanation / Answer
In the above question it can be clearly stated that the soil retention capacity is primarily dependent upon the 2 factors which are grain size of the soil and the amount of biological matter present in that material.
The less is the grain size of the particle, more is the soil retention capacity. As in the case of fine grained materials, the water is generally hold in the surface of the minerals like clay. So it will have a larger affinity towards the water.
Just as in the case of organic material. More is the amount of organic matter, the larger is their affinity towards water as the need for water is highly recommended for their growth. This is indirectly given in the figures as gasoline, diesel and other oil as all of them are finished products of the dead remains of organic activity.
Other factors that might influence the soil retention capacity is the temperature and humidity. The higher the temperature, less is the chance of getting water into the soil. This is because of the evaporation of the water from the soil. On the other hand humidity is the percentage of the moist air present in an environment. Therefore the soil retention capacity increases with the increasing humidity.
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