UNIVERSITY OF POONCH

RAWALAKOT

Presented by : Hamad Abbas

Roll # 06
5th semester
Department : Environmental Sciences
Presented to : Dr. Aqsa Kanwal
Topic
Movement of
Volatile
Pollutants

Volatization
 CONTENTS
1. Definition

2. Introduction

3. Volatilization

4. Factors

5. Volatilization process

6. Monitoring & mitigations

7. Environmental implications

8. Conclusion
 DEFINITION

The process of movement of volatile

compounds/pollutants in soil is known as volatilization.
 INTRODUCTION
Volatile pollutants are substances that can easily
evaporate into the air at normal temperatures.
Examples include certain organic compounds and
some gases like volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
 INTRODUCTION

Volatile pollutants can move in soil through

processes such as volatilization, where they
transform from liquid or solid states to gas and
move through the soil pores. Factors like soil
moisture and temperature influence this
movement.
 VOLATILIZATION
Volatilization is a complex process influenced by physical
and chemical properties of substances present in the soil.
Certain pollutants, known as volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and other gas-phase chemicals, have the ability to
evaporate at ambient temperatures. This transformation
enables them to move through the soil matrix and
eventually reach the atmosphere.
 FACTORS
Several factors affect the rate and extent of volatilization in soil:
1. Temperature Higher temperatures generally enhance
volatilization as it increases the energy available for the transition
from liquid or solid phases to gas.
2. Soil moisture : Moisture content influences the availability of
substances for volatilization. Adequate moisture can facilitate the
process, while overly dry conditions may limit it.
3. Soil composition : The type and composition of soil play a role in
determining the sorption capacity of pollutants, affecting their
volatility
VOLATILIZATION PROCESS
1. Evaporation:
The initial step in volatilization is evaporation. This occurs
when the energy supplied to a substance surpasses the
forces holding its molecules together in a liquid or solid
state. As the substance gains energy, its molecules become
more kinetic, breaking the intermolecular bonds and
transitioning into the gas phase.
VOLATILIZATION PROCESS

2. Vaporization and Diffusion:

Once in the gaseous phase, the volatile compounds undergo
vaporization and diffuse through the soil pores. Vaporization
involves the conversion of the substance into vapor or gas,
while diffusion is the movement of these vapor molecules
from areas of higher concentration to lower concentration.
 VOLATILIZATION PROCESS

3. Soil-Air Interface:
The movement of volatile pollutants reaches a critical point at the
soil-air interface. Here, the compounds encounter the air-filled
pores in the soil and have the opportunity to escape into the
atmosphere. The size and connectivity of soil pores play a
significant role in determining the ease with which these
substances can move through the soil.
VOLATILIZATION PROCESS

4. Influence of Soil Moisture:

Soil moisture content is a crucial factor in volatilization. Adequate
moisture facilitates the process by ensuring that substances are in
a more mobile state. However, excessively dry conditions can
impede volatilization, as the lack of moisture limits the availability
of substances for evaporation .
VOLATILIZATION PROCESS

5. Temperature Effects:
Temperature plays a vital role in volatilization. Higher
temperatures provide the energy required for substances to
transition into the gas phase more readily. Consequently,
warmer soils often experience increased volatilization rates.
VOLATILIZATION PROCESS

6. Soil Composition and Sorption :

The type and composition of the soil also influence volatilization.
Different soils have varying sorption capacities, affecting how
readily they can absorb and release volatile compounds. Soil
components such as organic matter and minerals may interact with
pollutants, either facilitating or hindering their movement.
VOLATILIZATION PROCESS

7. Atmospheric Release:
Ultimately, the volatilized pollutants reach the
atmosphere. Once in the air, they can disperse over
distances, contributing to air pollution. This atmospheric
release is a key aspect of the environmental impact
associated with volatilization.
MONITORING & MITIGATION

Monitoring volatilization rates and concentrations of

airborne pollutants is essential for assessing
environmental impact. Mitigation strategies may
involve soil management practices, controlling
pollutant sources, and implementing measures to
reduce emissions.
 E N V I R O N M E N TA L I M P L I C AT I O N S :

The movement of volatile pollutants through volatilization has several

environmental implications:
1. Air Quality: Released pollutants can contribute to air pollution,
affecting both local and regional air quality.
2. Ecological Impact: Volatile pollutants may have adverse effects on
ecosystems, impacting soil organisms, plants, and wildlife.
3. Human Health: Inhalation of airborne pollutants resulting from
volatilization poses potential health risks to humans, especially in
areas with high pollutant concentrations
 CONCLUSION

In summary, volatilization is a multi-step process

influenced by environmental factors, with implications for
soil quality, air quality, and human health. A
comprehensive understanding of this process is vital for
developing effective strategies to manage and mitigate the
impact of volatile pollutants.
THANK YOU