De Paola, Fulvio (2026) Removal of emerging environmental contaminants by adsorption and their distribution in soil-water systems. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

The research presented in this PhD thesis investigates the behaviour of emerging contaminants in environmental systems, with particular focus on rare earth elements (REE), radionuclides and pesticides, within the soil-water system. The present study employs an integrated approach that combines laboratory adsorption experiments with exploratory chemometric analysis of groundwater data. The overarching aim of this integrated approach is to improve the understanding of contaminant mobility and distribution. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, using a variety of solid phases, specifically biochar, tuff, and geopolymer. The adsorption processes were systematically investigated for different classes of contaminants, thereby highlighting the role of solid-surface interactions in controlling retention mechanisms. The adsorption kinetics were consistently described by pseudo-second-order models, indicating that the interaction between contaminants and active surface sites plays a dominant role in the adsorption process. The results indicated varied responses of the examined solid phases, contingent on the contaminant class, emphasising the impact of material properties on adsorption behaviour, without resulting in rigid performance rankings. The results demonstrate that the combined use of adsorption studies and exploratory chemometric analysis is a coherent strategy to address the complexity of emerging contaminant behaviour in soil–water systems. While adsorption experiments provide insight into contaminant–solid interactions under controlled conditions, chemometric tools contribute to a more informed interpretation of environmental datasets. The study also underscores the potential value of low-cost solid phases, including materials derived from natural resources or waste recovery, for future investigations focused on contaminant removal from aqueous phases or environmental amendment applications. However, it is essential to note that this potential can only be fully realised through the conduct of additional dedicated studies.

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