Degradation of organotin compounds in organic and mineral forest soils

Broad industrial application of organotin compounds (OTC) leads to their release into the environment. OTC are deposited from the atmosphere into forest ecosystems and may accumulate in soils. Here, we studied the degradation of methyltin and butyltin compounds in a forest floor, a mineral, and a wetland soil with incubation experiments at 20 °C in the dark. OTC degraded slowly in soils with half‐lives estimated from 0.5 to 15 years. The first order degradation rate constants of OTC in soils ranged from 0.05 to 1.54 yr^–1. The degradation rates in soils were generally in the order mono‐ ≥ di‐ > tri‐substituted OTC. Stepwise dealkylation was observed in all cases of di‐substituted OTC, but only in some cases of tri‐substituted OTC. Decomposition rates of OTC in the forest floor were higher than in wetland and mineral soils. Tetramethyltin in the gas phase was not detected, suggesting little tin methylation in the wetland soils. Slow degradation of OTC in soils might lead to long‐term storage of atmospherically deposited OTC in soils.     

土壤和粘粒矿物对亚硒酸盐的吸附和解吸

本文研究了三种土壤(砖红壤、红壤和黄棕壤)、高岭土和两种合成氧化铁(无定形氧化铁和针铁矿)对亚硒酸盐的吸附和解吸作用。讨论了亚硒酸盐的吸附特征,以及土壤中氧化铁对亚硒酸盐吸附和解吸的影响,根据实验资料与吸附等温方程式的拟合情况,作者认为以Freundlich和Langmuir公式为宜。此外,供试样品对亚硒酸盐的吸附和解吸结果表明,Se的吸附量随Se的添加量的增加而增加,但由于矿物组成各异,吸附量的差异显著。其吸附量的大小顺序为:无定形氧化铁>针铁矿>砖红壤>红壤>黄棕壤>高岭土;而被吸附Se的解吸能力则是高岭土>黄棕壤>红壤>砖红壤>针铁矿>无定形氧化铁。实验结果还表明,在各种矿物组成中,亚硒酸盐的吸附和解吸受氧化铁的影响很明显,三个土壤样品的吸附等温线都表现出氧化铁在初始阶段对亚硒酸盐吸附快而强烈的特征,而在去除氧化铁以后,这一特征也随之消失,硒的吸附量显著降低,而解吸率则明显上升。     

Competitive adsorption and desorption of oxytetracycline and cadmium with different input loadings on cinnamon soil

Purpose

The binary competitive effect could obviously influence the fate and transport behavior of oxytetracycline (OTC) and cadmium (Cd²⁺) in cinnamon soil. However, two pollutants loading into soil usually are different, perhaps because of the three reasons including occurrence of OTC before Cd²⁺, simultaneous occurrence of OTC and Cd²⁺, or occurrence of Cd²⁺ before OTC. The purpose of the study was to predict the competitive adsorption and desorption of OTC and Cd²⁺ as a function of above input loadings on cinnamon soil.

Materials and methods

Adsorption and desorption were determined using the batch equilibrium method in a single or binary system. The Freundlich equation was applied to describe the adsorption/desorption data of OTC and Cd²⁺ in order to obtain adsorption/desorption isotherms for each tested compound and the respective adsorption/desorption coefficients.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that cinnamon soil could strongly adsorb OTC with the adsorption affinity (K _f value) of more than 718 and Cd²⁺ with K _f value of more than 536 in the competitive and non-competitive system, and all adsorption and desorption isotherms of OTC and Cd²⁺ on cinnamon soil were well fitted by the Freundlich equation with r value of more than 0.99 (p?<?0.01). The coexistence of OTC and Cd²⁺ on cinnamon soil promoted significantly Cd²⁺ adsorption when Cd²⁺ firstly or simultaneously occurred on soil, but their coexistence did not affect adsorption of OTC when OTC firstly or simultaneously occurred on soil. Among the three input loadings, the pollutant with later occurring mode had lower K _f and hysteresis coefficient (HI) than the other two input loadings. According to the adsorption intensity parameter (1/n), the presence of Cd²⁺ or OTC with different input loadings could decrease the adsorption intensity of OTC or Cd²⁺ when compared with single occurrence of OTC or Cd²⁺.

Conclusions

The binary competitive effect influenced the adsorption/desorption of OTC and Cd²⁺ differently. The presence of OTC had a stronger influence on the adsorption/desorption of Cd²⁺ than the presence of Cd²⁺ on the adsorption of OTC. The later occurring pollutant on soil had stronger ecological risk than the former occurring pollutant in the binary competitive system. The physical adsorption in the single or binary system could be identified as the dominant mechanisms of OTC and Cd²⁺ adsorption.     

Some observations on the desorption and distribution behaviour of copper with soil components

The ability of copper adsorbed by soil components to desorb back into solution was studied by means of experiments using radioactive ⁶⁴Cu. It was demonstrated that the amounts of copper which can be readily desorbed from soil components are very small. A dialysis equilibration technique was used to examine the distribution of adsorbed copper between individual materials in a multi-component system. Where only adsorption of copper was involved, the distribution of copper between soil materials was found to agree with predictions based on adsorption studies with individual materials. However, where desorption was involved, as in the experiments on the redistribution of copper between components after an initial adsorption, the results were strongly governed by the poor reversibility of copper adsorption. It is clear that desorption or lack of desorption is very important in affecting plant availability of indigenous or added soil copper and in controlling the distribution of copper added to soils.     

Effects of iron oxide on antimony(V) adsorption in natural soils: transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements

Purpose

Antimony (Sb) contamination in the environment is a worldwide concern. To address such contamination issues, we studied the adsorption of Sb in four different types of soils. We investigated the main chemical and physical factors that influenced the adsorption of Sb, and distinguished between the different adsorption abilities of naturally occurring crystalline and amorphous iron (Fe) compounds in these soils.

Materials and methods

Adsorption of Sb in ferrosol, primosol, isohumosol, and sandy soil was studied using batch experiments. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to examine the character and location of Sb adsorbed on individual particles in these soils without affecting its geochemical environment. In addition, the crystalline and amorphous Fe compounds in these soils were separated and analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The relationship between these Fe compounds and Sb adsorption was also explored.

Results and discussion

The sorption capacities of the four soils increased on addition of Sb in solution, reaching values of 10.8, 4.33, 5.45, and 1.19 g kg^?1 for ferrosol, primosol, isohumosol, and sandy soil, respectively. The adsorption of Sb in ferrosol was much higher than for other soils because of its higher Fe oxide content. In fact, the Sb content adsorbed on ferrosol showed a good exponential relationship with its Fe content. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the Fe_2p and O_1s binding energies decreased after the adsorption of Sb in the ferrosol. This suggests that an electron transfer occurred between Sb and Fe through an oxidation-reduction reaction, after Sb adsorption in the ferrosol.

Conclusions

The adsorption abilities of Sb in the four soils were in the order of ferrosol > isohumosol > primosol > sandy soil. The amounts of Sb adsorbed by these soils were significantly positively correlated with their Fe contents (Sb?=??3.78?+?2.88?×?Fe, P?<?0.01), but were negatively correlated with their sand contents (Sb?=?12.30???0.12?×?Sand, P?<?0.01). The X-ray diffraction analysis results showed that crystalline Fe compounds have a higher capacity for Sb adsorption than amorphous Fe compounds.

     

Adsorption-desorption of atrazine on four soils of Hyderabad

The adsorption-desorption equilibrium of atrazine (2-chloro, 4-ethylamino, 6-isopropyl amino-1, 3, 5 triazine) was studied by the batch equilibration method at 27 ± 1 °C on four soils of Hyderabad. Adsorption isotherms conformed to the Freundlich equation (A = KC^1/n ). K increased in the same order as the organic C content of the soils. Desorption studies were conducted by repeated replacement of 5 mL of the supernatant equilibrium solutions after adsorption, with 0.01 M CaCl₂. Desorption isotherms showed considerable hysteresis which was more prominent when the desorption was carried out with higher adsorbed concentration of atrazine. Desorption from the lowest level of adsorbed atrazine (3 to 5 μg g^?1 soil) was close to the adsorption isotherm. The cumulative desorption after four desorption steps covering five days was significantly different at the 1% level, for different initial adsorbed concentrations of atrazine. Desorption was significantly higher at the lowest adsorbed level of atrazine. The soils differed significantly at 6% level for desorption and the amount desorbed decreased in the inverse order of organic C. Desorption isotherms also conformed to Freundlich equation but K andn values were both higher than that for adsorption and increased with increase in initially adsorbed concentration of atrazine. Desorption thus confirmed the irreversible nature of the adsorption of atrazine on these soils. The quantitative factors and reasons for desorption are discussed.     

苏云金芽胞杆菌毒素在累托石上的吸附与杀虫活性研究

The adsorption and desorption of the toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis strain WG-001 on rectorite were studied at different toxin and/or rectorite concentrations, pH values and temperatures. The insecticidal activity of the adsorbed toxin was evaluated by determining the lethal concentration to kill 50% of the larvae of Heliothis armigera （LC50）. The adsorption of the toxin on rectorite in sodium carbonate buffer （pH 9） reached equilibrium within 0.5-1.0 h and the adsorption isotherm of the toxin followed the Langmuir equation （R^2 〉 0.99）. In the pH range from 9 to 11 （carbonate buffer）, the adsorbed toxin decreased with increasing pH. The adsorption amounts decreased with increasing rectorite：toxin ratio. The adsorption was not significantly affected by the temperature between 10 and 50 ℃. The X- ray diffraction analysis indicated occurrence of the intercalation of the rectorite by the toxin. The infrared absorption spectrum showed that the binding of the toxin did not alter its structure. The LC50 wlues of the adsorbed toxin were smaller than those of the free toxin. The rectorite protected the toxin from ultraviolet irradiation damage. The desorption of the adsorbed toxin in water ranged from 37.5% to 56.4% and from 27.4% to 41.8% in a carbonate buffer. The desorption percentage also decreased with increasing rectorite：toxin ratio.     

Effect of earthworm activity (Aporrectodea giardi) on atrazine adsorption and biodegradation

We investigated the influence of earthworm (Aporrectodea giardi) activity on soil properties and on atrazine (AT) adsorption and biodegradation by comparing a coarse‐textured smectite‐free wetland soil (Brittany, France) with the earthworm casts derived from the top horizon of this soil. Casts are characterized by lower pH, are enriched in organic carbon (OC) and clay content, have a larger cation exchange capacity, and a greater exchangeable Ca content. The clay mineralogy of the soil studied and casts is characterized by a muscovite–kaolinite–chlorite association. In addition, the clay fraction of the soil contains lepidocrocite (γ‐FeOOH), which was not found in the casts. Atrazine adsorption isotherms were reasonably well described by the Freundlich equation and were all non‐linear. The mean amounts of adsorbed AT for starting concentrations of 3–30 mg litre^?1 ranged from 8 to 34%, being largest in earthworm casts. Soil AT adsorption capacity was well correlated with OC content. Non‐decomposed organic matter present in the coarse size fractions and specific compounds present in earthworm casts (proteins, mono‐ and polysaccharides, polyphenols, sugars, lignin) and microbial and fungal biomass contribute to AT adsorption. Weak electrostatic (physical) sorption of AT on organic compounds and on mineral surfaces prevails. For casts, the formation of additional hydrophobic interactions between AT and SOM is proposed. We also studied AT biodegradation by the model bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP in the presence of soils or earthworm casts. An enhancement of the AT disappearance rate was observed in the presence of all the solid matrices tested compared with that obtained in an aqueous medium. The biodegradation rate was shown to be dependent not only on the OC content of the solid matrix, but mainly on its composition and structure.     

Effect of 1-1 electrolyte concentration on the adsorption/desorption of copper ion on synthetic birnessite

Purpose  

Oxides are ubiquitous in nature and play an important role in scavenging metal ions from soils and sediments. At the common pH range of the natural environment the well-studied Fe and Al oxides mostly carry a positive charge and adsorbed amounts of heavy metals, and their desorption percentages decrease with increasing ionic strength. The less well studied but also important Mn oxides possess negative charges in the natural environment and this will lead to a different behavior. Therefore, it is useful to further investigate how the electrolyte concentration and type affect the metal ion adsorption/desorption by Mn oxides.     

Dynamics of 13C‐labeled mustard litter (Sinapis alba) in particle‐size and aggregate fractions in an agricultural cropland with high‐ and low‐yield areas

The application of ¹³C‐labeled litter enables to study decomposition processes as well as the allocation of litter‐derived carbon to different soil C pools. ¹³Carbon‐labeled mustard litter was used in order to compare decomposition processes in an agricultural cropland with high‐yield (HY) and low‐yield (LY) areas, the latter being characterized by a finer texture and a lower organic‐C (OC) content. After tracer application, ¹³C concentrations were monitored in topsoil samples in particulate organic matter (POM) and in fine mineral fractions (silt‐ and clay‐sized fractions). After 568 d, approximately 5% and 10% of the initial ¹³C amount were found in POM fractions of LY and HY areas, respectively. Higher amounts were found in POM occluded in aggregates than in free POM. Medium‐term (0.5–2 y) storage of the initial ¹³C in fine silt‐ and clay‐sized fractions amounts to 10% in HY and LY soils, with faster enrichment but also faster disappearance of the ¹³C signal from LY soils. Amounts of 80%–90% of the added ¹³C were mineralized or leached in the observed period. Decomposition of free POM was faster in HY than in LY areas during the first year, but the remaining ¹³C amounts in occluded‐POM fractions were higher in HY soils after 568 d. High‐yield and low‐yield areas showed different ¹³C dynamics in fine mineral fractions. In LY soils, ¹³C amounts and concentrations in mineral‐associated fractions increased within 160 d after application and decreased in the following time period. In HY areas, a significant increase in ¹³C amounts did not occur until after 568 d. The results indicate initially faster decomposition processes in HY than in LY areas due to different soil conditions, such as soil texture and water regime. The higher silt and clay contents of LY areas seem to promote a faster aggregate formation and turnover, leading to a closer contact between POM and mineral surfaces in this area. This favors the OC storage in fine mineral fractions in the medium term. Lower aggregate formation and turnover in the coarser textured HY soil leads to a delayed C stabilization in silt‐ and clay‐sized fractions.     

磷的吸附对老成土和淋溶土中Cu、Zn离子吸附-解吸及其有效性的影响

Surface charge,secondary adsorption-desorption and form distribution of Cu^2 and Zn^2 in Ultisols and Alfisols having adsorbed phosphate were studied by potentiometric titration,adsorption equilibrium and sequential extraction method,respectively,The soil surface negative charges increased whereas the amount sequential extraction method,respectively.The soil surface ngative charges increased whereas the amount of positive charges decreased with increase of P adsorbed,The soil secondary adsorption capacity for Cu^2 and Zn^2 was positively significantly correlated with the amount of P adsorbed by the soils,which could be described by the Langmuir equation.The amounts of Cu^2 and Zn^2 desorption from soils were decreased after P adsorption by the soils and the relationship between them was linear,After the soils adsorbed P,form distribution of Cu^2 and Zn^2 in soils changed remarkably.     

Sodium hypochlorite oxidation reduces soil organic matter concentrations without affecting inorganic soil constituents

Oxidative treatment can isolate a stable organic matter pool in soils for process studies of organic matter stabilization. Wet oxidation methods using hydrogen peroxide are widely used for that purpose, but are said to modify poorly crystalline soil constituents. We investigated the effect of a modified NaOCl oxidation (pH 8) on the mineral composition of 12 subsoils (4.9–38.2 g organic C kg^?1) containing varying amounts of poorly crystalline mineral phases, i.e. 1.1–20.5 g oxalate‐extractable Fe kg^?1, and of different phyllosilicate mineralogy. Post‐oxidative changes in mineral composition were estimated by (i) the determination of elements released into the NaOCl solution, (ii) the difference in dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable Si, Al and Fe, and (iii) the specific surface areas (SSAs) of the soils. The NaOCl procedure reduced the organic C concentrations by 12–72%. The amounts of elements released into the NaOCl extracts were small (≤ 0.14 g kg^?1 for Si, ≤ 0.13 g kg^?1 for Al, and ≤ 0.03 g kg^?1 for Fe). The SSA data and the amounts of dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable elements suggest that the NaOCl oxidation at pH 8 does not attack pedogenic oxides and hydroxides and only slightly dissolves Al from the poorly crystalline minerals. Therefore, we recommend NaOCl oxidation at pH 8 for the purpose of isolating a stable organic matter pool in soils for process studies of organic matter stabilization.     

Adsorption of mercury compounds by tropical soils II. Effect of soil: Solution ratio,ionic strength,pH, and organic matter

Mercury adsorbed from HgCl₂ and 2-methoxy-ethylmercury chloride (Aretan) solutions by three contrasting soils showed a dependence on soil: solution ratio and initial Hg concentration in soil solution. Changing the soil solution ratio from 1: 10 to 1 : 100 but keeping the initial concentration constant resulted in an increase in Hg adsorption from both Hg compounds. A similar change in soil: solution ratio accompanied by a decrease in initial concentration, on the other hand, resulted in decrease in Hg adsorption. Upon manipulating of the pH of the surface soils, adsorption of HgCl₂ at 100 mg Hg L^?1 concentration increased from about 701 :o over 95 mg Hg kg^?1 when pH was raised from 5.0 to 8.0. Precipitation of Hg may also have contributed to this trend. Aretan adsorption by these soils, on the other hand, changed little with change in pH. Removal of organic matter from soil resulted in large reductions of Hg adsorbed, as much as 95 % from the HgCl₂ solutions, but only up to 31 % from Aretan solutions. This suggests that organic matter in soil played a mayor role in the adsorption of inorganic Hg whereas the soils' mineral fractions were involved more in the adsorption of the organic Hg compound.     

How does sonication affect the mineral and organic constituents of soil aggregates?—A review

Application of ultrasound to disperse soil aggregates has been critical in enabling researchers to separate and analyze aggregate building blocks that include organic and mineral particles as well as mineral associated organic matter. But the forces generated in the process may also alter the dispersion products and, thus, potentially interfere with the interpretation of experimental results. This review summarizes present knowledge on experimental conditions that may lead to physical damage and chemical modifications of aggregate building blocks. The energy level at which physical disintegration of organic particles could be detected was as low as 60 J mL^–1. Physical damage of sand‐ and silt‐sized mineral particles was observed to commence at energy levels exceeding 700 J cm^–3. No evidence was found for the disintegration of particles within the clay‐size fraction of soils even though studies analyzing pure minerals such as kaolinite revealed particle breakage after application of energy amounts > 12,000 J cm^–3. Here we outline a strategy to minimize artifacts such as physical damage of mineral or organic particles resulting from ultrasonication by adopting a stepwise dispersion protocol involving successively higher energy levels, accompanied by a sequential separation of organic and mineral compounds.     

Sorption of naphthalene derivatives on to soils from a long-term field experiment: a particle size fractionation and extraction study

The present work investigates the impact of site management on the retention of organic compounds in soil in a long‐term field experiment and focuses on the role of particle size fractions. Specifically, we studied the influence of long‐term farming practices on the soil’s ability to adsorb five hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs), specifically naphthalene derivatives (naphthalene, 1‐naphthol, 1‐naphthylamine, 1‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid, 1,4‐naphthoquinone). We examined the sorption on soil and its particle‐size fractions with varying amounts and origins of organic matter in soil amended with farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers over more than 40 years. The soil organic matter had no significant impact on the sorption behaviour of the HOCs. Adsorption on the clay and silt fraction provided a deeper insight into the mechanisms and indicates a strong affinity with adsorption sites of the mineral phase. Naphthalene derivatives with hydrogen atoms in their functional groups adsorbed more strongly than other compounds on to soils containing smaller amounts of organic carbon. Desorption experiments with five organic extractants showed partitioning models for HOCs between extractant and soil surface. Only in experiments with the most polar extractant, formamide, did we observe an influence of the compound’s functional groups on the desorption mechanisms. Column experiments with a HPLC‐system and on‐line UV‐detection proved to be a satisfactory alternative to batch experiments. This approach should enable investigations of adsorption with larger numbers of compounds and soils at the same time.     

菜园土壤锌的吸附——解吸特性研究

本文研究了菜园土壤锌的吸附 -解吸特性。实验结果表明 ,三种菜园土壤吸附Zn2 + 均随平衡液中Zn2 + 浓度的增加而增大 ,且均可用Langmuir方程和Freundlich方程来描述 ,相关系数均大于 0 .9,达极显著水平。由Langmuir方程求得的菜园土壤对Zn2 + 的最大吸附量的大小顺序为 :黄松土 >粉泥土 >江涂砂 ,但对Zn2 + 的吸附作用力强度和最大缓冲容量的顺序则相反 ,以江涂砂 >粉泥土 >黄松土。菜园土壤对Zn2 + 的解吸量随其吸附量的增加而增加 ,两者之间呈显著线性正相关。     

A LANGMUIR TWO-SURFACE EQUATION AS A MODEL FOR PHOSPHATE ADSORPTION BY SOILS

For forty-one soils (pH > 5.0) from southern England and eastern Australia, the Langmuir equation was an excellent model for describing P adsorption from solutions < 10^-3M P, if it was assumed that adsorption occurs on two types of surface of contrasting bonding energies. For most of these soils, which were relatively undersaturated with P, this equation may be written as: where x = adsorption, k = adsorption/desorption equilibrium constant, x_m= monolayer adsorption capacity, and c = equilibrium solution concentration. The relative magnitude of the parameters for each surface were approximately: x_m= 0.3 x^″_m=0.3 and k′= 100 k. More than 90 per cent of the native adsorbed P occurs on the high-energy surface in most soils.     

Adsorptionsisothermen als Regelgrößen beim Transport von Schwermetallen in Böden

Adsorption isotherms as regulators controlling heavy metal transport in soils The adsorption and desorption of Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from equilibrium solutions with heavy metal contents up to 5000 μg/1 were determined in bulk experiments for soil samples from an acid Braunerde developed in loess loam, taken from the humic surface layer of the mineral soil (0–10 cm) and from the subsoil fairly free from organic matter (30–40 cm). Pb and Cd in solutions were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Pb was more strongly retained in the solid phase than Cd, and higher amounts of heavy metals were retained in the humic surface soil than in the subsoil free of organic matter. In the case of Pb adsorption/desorption showed slight hysteresis in the subsoil. The quantity/intensity (Q/I) relationships found in the experiments could be described by the Freundlich equation. The Q/I-relationships were substituted in the general transport equation. With a simulation model the transport of Pb and Cd through the soil with vertical water flow was calculated by the use of the Continuous Simulation Programming Language (CSMP). Two different cases were considered: a small, continuous increase in the heavy metal input of the soil surface, and a high, instantaneous peak input. Simulation of the transport and distribution mechanisms induced by the inputs over a period of 10 years showed strong retention of lead in the surface layer and consequently a strong damping of the concentration peak in the soil solution. In contrast, cadmium is distributed more quickly over the whole profile, yet the concentration peak in the solution phase is, too, damped considerably in the surface layer by temporary retention in the solid phase. The results of the simulation runs are in accordance with the situation in real soils where often strong accumulation of Pb is found in the top soil, while Cd is accumulated only slightly.     

Adsorption und Desorption von Methabenzthiazuron in verschiedenen Böden

Adsorption and desorption of methabenzthiazuron in various soils A method investigating adsorption and desorption of pesticides using radioactive tracers and a computer programme is described. The adsorption and desorption of the herbicidal substance methabenzthiazuron in 7 soil samples is investigated. The adsorption of methabenzthiazuron decreases from the A_p- to the C-horizons. A good correlation exists between the adsorbed amount of the herbicidal substance and the C- and N-content of the soils. The relatively highest desorption was found with nearly humusfree soils. The amount of adsorbed herbicide residues, not desorbable by water in 5 desorption cycles, is much higher in the humic soils than in the nearly humusfree soils. From the relationship found between adsorption and corresponding herbicide concentrations proper adsorption values can be predicted for any herbicide concentration within the investigated concentration range by using one single adsorption measurement as a basis of calculation.     

FLUORIDE ADSORPTION BY ILLINOIS SOILS

Fourteen surface and 6 subsurface horizons of Illinois soils adsorbed significant amounts of F^? with release of OH^?. At low concentrations, adsorption was described by both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The calculated Langmuir adsorption capacities were related to pH, clay, organic carbon, and amorphous aluminum contents. Two soils with different gross chemical properties behaved in essentially the same manner, with adsorption maxima occuring between pH 5.5 and 6.5. The similarity between adsorption at different pH values for the soils and those for bauxite, allophane and synthesized ‘soil chlorite’, and the lack of adsorption maxima between pH 5.5 and 6.5 for pure kaolinite and montmorillonite, suggest that F^? adsorption in the soils is due primarily to the presence of amorphous aluminum oxyhydroxides which are common weathering products in these soils.