2.1. Initial Conditions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does partitioning refer to?

   Hint

   Think about how substances mix in different states.

2. 2.

   Define mass balance in your own words.

   Hint

   What happens to the mass when substances are added or removed?

3. 3.

   What is the definition of partitioning?

   • A process that removes chemicals from soil
   • The distribution of a chemical between different phases
   • A method of calculating mass loss

   Hint

   Consider where the chemical goes once it is introduced.

4. 4.

   True or False: Mass balance ensures that total chemical mass does not change.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Remember the principle of conservation in physics.

5. 5.

   Calculate the effect of increasing the volume of water on the partitioning of a chemical while keeping the mass constant. Assume the initial conditions of the chemical and soil are the same.

   Hint

   Apply the dilution equation to find reduced concentrations.

6. 6.

   Discuss potential outcomes if the chemical introduced is hydrophobic, detailing how it would behave in both water and soil.

   Hint

   How do hydrophobic substances interact with water compared to soil?