What does the term "sorption" refer to in environmental chemistry?

The term "sorption" in environmental chemistry refers to the attachment of one substance to another. This process is crucial in various environmental contexts, particularly concerning contaminant behavior in soils and water. Sorption encompasses both adsorption, where molecules adhere to the surface of a solid, and absorption, where a substance is taken up into the bulk of another material.

Understanding sorption is essential for evaluating how pollutants behave in the environment, influencing their mobility, bioavailability, and degradation. High sorption rates can lead to limited movement of contaminants, effectively trapping them in certain environments, which may also impact remediation strategies.

Thus, recognizing the nuances of sorption helps chemists and environmental scientists predict the fate of pollutants after their release and devise effective strategies for managing contamination.