Effect of soil moisture on chlorine deposition.

The effect of soil moisture on chlorine (Cl(2)) deposition was examined in laboratory chamber experiments at high Cl(2) exposures by measuring the concentration of chloride (Cl(-)) in soil columns. Soil mixtures with varying amounts of clay, sand, and organic matter and with moisture contents up to 20% (w/w) were exposed to ≈3×10(4)ppm Cl(2) vapor. For low water content soils, additional water increased the reaction rate as evidenced by higher Cl(-) concentration at higher soil moisture content.

Cl2 deposition on soil matrices.

Deposition of chlorine gas, Cl(2), on synthetic soil sample matrices was examined in a small chamber to ascertain its potential significance as a chemical sink during large-scale releases. The effects of organic matter, clay and sand mass fractions of the soil matrix, soil packing, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light on the observed Cl(2) deposition were examined. Organic matter content was found to be the dominant soil variable investigated that affected Cl(2) deposition; all other variables exhibited no measurable effect.