Sorption of pyrene from water by oil shale ash and mineral particles

The aim of this work was to estimate the sorption of pyrene from water solutions on mineral substrates, e.g., alumina, silica, and oil shale ash, from the Estonian thermal plant. Results obtained from this study indicate that the sorption of pyrene on mineral oxides and oil shale ash particles from water can be described with a linear equation. The sorptive capacity per weight of oil shale ash in aqueous systems was significantly lower compared with mineral adsorbents. The distribution coefficient (K_d) for pyrene in the system with particles of oil shale ash was 10–12 times lower as than for mineral adsorbents.