Peroxidase-mediated Binding of Phenols to Soils

Sorption-desorption behavior of phenol and o-cresol was studied on two soils belonging to the Haynie series (very fine sandy loams) collected from field and forested sites. Experimental investigations focused on the effect of HRP addition on sorption and desorption of target chemicals when present in solution alone, and when present as a mixture. Addition of HRP resulted in a dramatic increase in sorption of the phenols. Desorption was little or negligible. No Fenton’s oxidation of the target chemicals was observed. Hysteresis, represented by Hysteresis Indices, was significantly enhanced upon HRP addition. No competition was observed in dualsorbate systems. Increases in Freundlich n and K F values upon HRP addition were attributed to the production of hydrophobic polymers in the aqueous phase and new “organic matter” on the soil.