Sorption

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Sorption is a physical and chemical process by which one substance becomes attached to another. It is used in a variety of applications, including in chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Sorption involves two main processes: adsorption and absorption. In adsorption, molecules from a substance adhere to the surface of another substance. In absorption, one substance is incorporated into another.

Types of Sorption[edit | edit source]

There are several types of sorption, including:

  • Physical sorption: This involves weak van der Waals forces and is usually reversible.
  • Chemical sorption: This involves stronger chemical bonds and is often irreversible.
  • Capillary sorption: This involves the movement of liquid into a porous material due to capillary forces.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Sorption is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Water treatment: Sorption is used to remove contaminants from water.
  • Soil science: Sorption affects the movement of nutrients and contaminants in soil.
  • Food storage: Sorption can affect the shelf life of food.

See also[edit | edit source]

Sorption Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD