title: Solubilization properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by saponin, a plant-derived biosurfactant.
abstract: The enhanced solubilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by saponin, a plant-derived non-ionic biosurfactant, was investigated. The results indicated that the solubilization capabilities of saponin for PAHs were greater than some representative synthetic non-ionic surfactants and showed strong dependence on solution pH and ionic strength. The molar solubilization ratio (MSR) of saponin for phenanthrene was about 3-6 times of those of the synthetic non-ionic surfactants, and decreased by about 70% with the increase of solution pH from 4.0 to 8.0, but increased by approximately 1 times with NaCl concentration increased from 0.01 to 1.0 M. Heavy metal ions can enhance saponin solubilization for phenanthrene and the corresponding MSR values increased by about 25% with the presence of 0.01 M of Cd2+ or Zn2+. Saponin is more effective in enhancing PAHs solubilization than synthetic non-ionic surfactants and has potential application in removing organic pollutants from contaminated soils.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310028, China. wenjunzhou@zju.edu.cn
authors.forename: Wenjun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Juanjuan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Linjie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lou
authors.forename: Lizhong
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhu
mesh_terms: D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000737:chemistry; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000737:chemistry*; D012503:Saponins / Q000737:chemistry*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D012503:Saponins; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D013501:Surface-Active Agents