Courses : Forest Ecology Lecturer :Frischa Adellia Semester : 4thSemester, 2022/2023 Session Definition of Sorption Sorption is a process in which a substance or molecule is adsorbed or absorbed on the surface of a solid or solvent. In an environmental context, sorption often refers to the absorption of harmful substances or pollutants by absorbent materials such as soil, activated carbon, or zeolite. The sorption process occurs due to the attractive force between the surface of the absorbing material and the molecules of the substance to be absorbed. The surface of the absorbent material has a large surface area and a porous structure, allowing substance molecules to be trapped inside. Sorption can occur through several mechanisms, including physical adsorption (filtering of molecules based on pore size), chemical adsorption (chemical interaction between substance molecules and an absorbent surface), and other processes such as complexation. Examples of applications of sorption in the environment include: 1. Contaminated soil remediation: Sorption can be used to absorb pollutants from contaminated soil, such as heavy metals or dangerous organic compounds. Absorbent materials such as specially treated soil or activated carbon are applied to contaminated areas to absorb those pollutants, removing them from the wider environment. 2. Water purification: Sorption is used in water filtration systems to remove contaminants such as organic substances, odors, or undesirable tastes. Activated carbon is often used as an absorbent material in water filters to absorb these substances and make water cleaner and safer for consumption. 3. Control of exhaust emissions: Sorption can also be used to reduce exhaust emissions from industry or motor vehicles. Absorbent materials such as zeolite or activated carbon are used in gas purification systems to absorb toxic gases before they are released into the atmosphere. The main goal of sorption is to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the environment, maintain better environmental quality, and protect human health and the ecosystem as a whole. Sorption is an effective method for environmental remediation and pollution management. The benefits of sorption in an environmental context are as follows: 1. Environmental cleaning: Sorption helps remove pollutants from the environment, whether from soil, water or air. By absorbing pollutants, sorption helps clean contaminated environments and reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances. 2. Remediation of contaminated soil: In the remediation of contaminated soil, sorption can be used to absorb heavy metals, dangerous organic compounds, and other pollutants. This helps restore soil quality and allows previously polluted land to be reused. 3. Water purification: In drinking or waste water treatment, sorption is used to remove harmful substances and contaminants from water. This helps improve the quality of water consumed by humans and maintains healthy aquatic ecosystems. 4. Reduction of exhaust emissions: Sorption can be used to control exhaust emissions from industry or motor vehicles. By absorbing toxic gases before they are released into the air, sorption helps reduce air pollution and protect human health and the environment. 5. Waste management: Sorption can also be used in industrial or domestic waste management. By absorbing harmful substances from waste, sorption helps reduce the negative impact of waste on the environment and prevents soil and water pollution. Thus, sorption has various benefits in maintaining environmental quality, protecting human health, and supporting ecosystem sustainability.