Importance of Soil Properties and Processes on Bioavailability of Organic Compounds

Abstract

Soil properties and processes play an important role in determining the availability of organic contaminants to environmental receptors. In this chapter, we provide an overview of sorption processes, review soil properties that are key for understanding sorption, and examine the relationship between sorption and bioavailability to microorganisms, animals, and plants. Traditionally, contaminant-soil systems are assumed to be controlled by equilibrium-driven processes. We review these aspects but also include information about non-equilibrium soil processes such as high desorption resistance and receptor-facilitated bioavailability. Understanding the full breadth of soil processes that impact bioavailability is necessary for making accurate toxicological predictions and risk assessments. We conclude the chapter by recommending areas for future research that will help improve our understanding of these complex systems.