Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the xylenes (BTEX) are the major water-soluble constituents of gasoline that may contaminate soils and natural waters, which can be sorbed by organoclays. This study investigates the sorption of toluene and xylene by organoclays produced from Brazilian bentonite (SVC) and from Wyoming bentonite (SSA) with hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA), as well as by a commercial organoclay (SCo). The organoclays were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Differential Thermal Analysis, Thermogravimetry. Isothermal sorption were performed. The efficiencies of the organoclays on removing toluene increased in the order: SVC-HDTMA < SSA-HDTMA < SCo. The xylene sorption by SVC-HDTMA and SSA-HDTMA organoclays was about two times higher than by the SCo. These organoclays may be used as permeable reactive barriers or in ceramic filters for petroleum waste-water treatment systems.
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