Oral Session

A contaminant in soil or sediment is partitioned among multiple phases, including the solid phase, dissolved organic matter, and water. Such phase partitioning regulates the ultimate biological endpoints or processes (e.g., biodegradation, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicity) by influencing the chemical’s bioavailability. At the center of debate is the bioavailability of sorbed contaminants, and the contributing variables (e.g., black carbon, aging). This symposium serves as an opportunity for a holistic discussion of contaminant sorption and bioavailability, and the interplaying mechanisms. We welcome presentations covering both inorganic (e.g., heavy metals) and organic contaminants, and both mechanistic and applied investigations.

S11 Soils & Environmental Quality