Evaluation of effective parameters to describe wetting, adhesion and, sorption phenomena on biogeochemical interfaces

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Nearly all processes in soils take place at biogeochemical interfaces. Until now, specific interfacial parameters which are able to link the chemical surface structure with physical interactions in the liquid phase (wettability, sorption) are still missing. Our hypothesis is that thermodynamically defined surface parameters like the contact angle and surface free energy components (dispersive and acid-base components) may be appropriate as effective parameters, complementary to soil properties like pH, texture or cation exchange capacity. To relate effective parameters to chemical structure, the contact angle relevant interphase will be analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Knowledge of effective parameters should allow to detect relevant modifications of the interfaces or to explain interactions between surfaces and pore water (liquid penetration dynamics), solutes (pesticides) or dispersed particles (colloids). We will apply a thermodynamically-based concept to quantify the transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic wetting systems. The significance of this transition i.e. on pore liquid distribution and geometry (film thickness and fragmentation), will be analyzed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Modification of natural and model soils by chemical treatment and cation exchange will ensure a wide range of parameter variation.