Microscopic mass transfer of TNT on soil

We report on the microscopic mass transfer of TNT on soil particles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersed X ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDAX). A change in the morphology and spatial distribution of TNT on soil is observed in SEM measurements a few hours after sample preparation. The change in morphology and spatial distribution is found to depend on the soil pH. Evidence is also found for the disappearance of TNT from soil as reflected by a decrease in the N fluorescence signal intensity with time after the preparation of TNT/soil mixtures. The results are modeled with the lattice model that describes the diffusivity solid-solid and provide the transference area and the diffusivity to which TNT transports in soil.