Sorption vs adsorption: The words they are a-changin', not the phenomena

Sci Total Environ. 2022 Sep 10;838(Pt 3):156545. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156545. Epub 2022 Jun 6.

Abstract

In this discussion, we highlight that the terms sorption and adsorption are often confused and misused in many articles. Even if one thought their formal definition is well known, this does not appear to be the case. We recommend encouragement to adopt the word adsorption only when fully supported by appropriate data and using the sorption terminology when it is more speculative, typically in complex solid/fluid natural systems.

Keywords: Absorption; Adsorption; Biosorption; Sorption.

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption*