Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments could be released into water, posing great threats to human health and organisms. In this study, the treatment effectiveness of in situ sequestration of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) in sediments was explored using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as adsorbents. Physicochemical tests (aqueous equilibrium concentrations, semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) uptake, and quiescent flux to overlying water) were conducted to evaluate the sequestration effectiveness of MWCNTs. Compared to the control, the MWCNT-treated sediments showed great reductions of HCHs and DDTs in aqueous equilibrium concentrations, SPMD uptake, and quiescent flux to overlying water. And the effects of dose of MWCNTs, diameter of MWCNTs, and contact time between MWCNTs and sediments on sequestration effectiveness were studied. Increased dose, decreased MWCNT diameter, and prolonged contact time resulted in a better sequestration effectiveness. The results indicated that the addition of MWCNTs to sediment could reduce the content of HCHs and DDTs released from sediments, reducing bioavailability of HCHs and DDTs and minimizing risks to ecosystem and human. MWCNTs have potential applications as adsorbents for in situ treatment of OCP-contaminated sediments.
Keywords: Bioavailability; DDTs; HCHs; In situ sediment treatment; Multiwalled carbon nanotubes; Physicochemical tests; Sequestration effectiveness.