Sorption of BTX in simulated groundwater by cationic surfactants modified soils

Two soils were modified with two kinds of cationic surfactants tetramethylammonium (TMA) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) in order to increase their sorptive capabilities. Sorption of BTX in simulated groundwater by these modified soils has been investigated. Modified soils have higher ability to sorb benzene, toluene and xylene from simulated ground‐water than unmodified ones. The amount sorbed by modified ones is tens to hundreds times higher than the unmodified ones. Sorption isotherms of TMA and HTDMA modified soils are of different types, and different mechanisms take place when benzene homologues are sorbed.