Poliovirus adsorption by 34 minerals and soils

The adsorption of radiolabeled infectious poliovirus type 2 by 34 well-defined soils and mineral substrates was analyzed in a synthetic freshwater medium containing 1 mM CaCl(2) and 1.25 mM NaHCO(3) at pH 7. In a model system, adsorption of poliovirus by Ottawa sand was rapid and reached equilibrium within 1 h at 4 degrees C. Near saturation, the adsorption could be described by the Langmuir equation; the apparent surface saturation was 2.5 x 10(6) plaque-forming units of poliovirus per mg of Ottawa sand. At low surface coverage, adsorption was described by the Freundlich equation. The soils and minerals used ranged from acidic to basic and from high in organic content to organic free. The available negative surface charge on each substrate was measured by the adsorption of a cationic polyelectrolyte, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Most of the substrates adsorbed more than 95% of the virus. In general, soils, in comparison with minerals, were weak adsorbents. Among the soils, muck and Genesee silt loam were the poorest adsorbents; among the minerals, montmorillonite, glauconite, and bituminous shale were the least effective. The most effective adsorbents were magnetite sand and hematite, which are predominantly oxides of iron. Correlation coefficients for substrate properties and virus adsorption revealed that the elemental composition of the adsorbents had little effect on poliovirus uptake. Substrate surface area and pH, by themselves, were not significantly correlated with poliovirus uptake. A strong negative correlation was found between poliovirus adsorption and both the contents of organic matter and the available negative surface charge on the substrates as determined by their capacities for adsorbing the cationic polyelectrolyte, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride.     

Adsorption of reovirus by minerals and soils.

Adsorption of [35S]methionine-labeled reovirus by 30 dry soils, minerals, and finely ground rocks suspended in synthetic freshwater at pH 7 was investigated to determine the conditions necessary for optimum virus removal during land application of wastewaters. All of the minerals and soils studied were excellent adsorbents of reovirus, with greater than 99% of the virus adsorbed after 1 h at 4 degrees C. Thereafter, virus remaining in suspension was significantly inactivated, and within 24 h a three to five log10 reduction in titer occurred. The presence of divalent cations, i.e., Ca2+ and Mg2+, in synthetic freshwater enhanced removal, whereas soluble organic matter decreased the amount of virus adsorbed in secondary effluent. The amount of virus adsorbed by these substrates was inversely correlated with the amount of organic matter, capacity to adsorb cationic polyelectrolyte, and electrophoretic mobility. Adsorption increased with increasing available surface area, as suspended infectivity was reduced further by the more finely divided substrates. However, the organic content of the soils reduced the level of infectious virus adsorbed below that expected from surface area measurements alone. The inverse correlation between virus adsorption and substrate capacity for cationic polyelectrolyte indicates that the adsorption of infectious reovirus particles is predominately a charged colloidal particle-charged surface interaction. Thus, adsorption of polyelectrolyte may be useful in predicting the fate of viruses during land application of sewage effluents and sludges.     

Adsorption behavior and adhesive properties of biopolyelectrolyte multilayers formed from cationic and anionic starch

Cationic starch (D.S. 0.065) and anionic starch (D.S. 0.037) were used to form biopolyelectrolyte multilayers. The influence of the solution concentration of NaCl on the adsorption of starch onto silicon oxide substrates and on the formation of multilayers was investigated using stagnation point adsorption reflectometry (SPAR) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The wet adhesive properties of the starch multilayers were examined by measuring pull-off forces with the AFM colloidal probe technique. It was shown that polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) can be successfully constructed from cationic starch and anionic starch at electrolyte concentrations of 1 mM NaCl and 10 mM NaCl. The water content of the PEMs was approximately 80% at both electrolyte concentrations. However, the thickness of the PEMs formed at 10 mM NaCl was approximately twice the thickness formed at 1 mM NaCl. The viscoelastic properties of the starch PEMs, modeled as Voigt elements, were dependent on the polyelectrolyte that was adsorbed in the outermost layer. The PEMs appeared to be more rigid when capped by anionic starch than when capped by cationic starch. The wet adhesive pull-off forces increased with layer number and were also dependent on the polyelectrolyte adsorbed in the outermost layer. Thus, starch PEM treatment has a large potential for increasing the adhesive interaction between solid substrates to levels higher than can be reached by a single layer of cationic starch.     

Effects of humic and fulvic acids on poliovirus concentration from water by microporous filtration

Because naturally occurring organic matter is thought to interfere with virus adsorption to microporous filters, humic and fulvic acids isolated from a highly colored, soft surface water were used as model organics in studies on poliovirus adsorption to and recovery from electropositive Virosorb 1MDS and electronegative Filterite filters. Solutions of activated carbon-treated tap water containing 3, 10, and 30-mg/liter concentrations of humic or fulvic acid were seeded with known amounts of poliovirus and processed with Virosorb 1MDS filters at pH 7.5 or Filterite filters at pH 3.5 (with and without 5 mM MgCl2). Organic acids caused appreciable reductions in virus adsorption and recovery efficiencies with both types of filter. Fulvic acid caused greater reductions in poliovirus recovery with Virosorb 1MDS filters than with Filterite filters. Fulvic acid interference with poliovirus recovery by Filterite filters was overcome by the presence of 5 mM MgCl2. Although humic acid reduced poliovirus recoveries by both types of filter, its greatest effect was on virus elution and recovery from Filterite filters. Single-particle analyses demonstrated MgCl2 enhancement of poliovirus association with both organic acids at pH 3.5. The mechanisms by which each organic acid reduced virus adsorption and recovery appeared to be different for each type of filter.     

Effects of humic and fulvic acids on poliovirus concentration from water by microporous filtration.

Because naturally occurring organic matter is thought to interfere with virus adsorption to microporous filters, humic and fulvic acids isolated from a highly colored, soft surface water were used as model organics in studies on poliovirus adsorption to and recovery from electropositive Virosorb 1MDS and electronegative Filterite filters. Solutions of activated carbon-treated tap water containing 3, 10, and 30-mg/liter concentrations of humic or fulvic acid were seeded with known amounts of poliovirus and processed with Virosorb 1MDS filters at pH 7.5 or Filterite filters at pH 3.5 (with and without 5 mM MgCl2). Organic acids caused appreciable reductions in virus adsorption and recovery efficiencies with both types of filter. Fulvic acid caused greater reductions in poliovirus recovery with Virosorb 1MDS filters than with Filterite filters. Fulvic acid interference with poliovirus recovery by Filterite filters was overcome by the presence of 5 mM MgCl2. Although humic acid reduced poliovirus recoveries by both types of filter, its greatest effect was on virus elution and recovery from Filterite filters. Single-particle analyses demonstrated MgCl2 enhancement of poliovirus association with both organic acids at pH 3.5. The mechanisms by which each organic acid reduced virus adsorption and recovery appeared to be different for each type of filter.     

Adsorption of a strong polyelectrolyte to model lignin surfaces

The adsorption of a strong, highly charged cationic polyelectrolyte to a kraft lignin thin film was investigated as a function of the adsorbing solution conditions using the quartz crystal microbalance. The polyelectrolyte, PDADMAC, with a molecular weight of 100 kDa and one cationic charge group per monomer, was adsorbed to the anionically charged lignin film in the pH range 3.5-9.5 in electrolyte solution of 0.1 to 100 mM NaCl. At low pH, the adsorbed amount of PDADMAC was minimal, however, this increased as a function of increasing pH. Indeed, the surface excess increased significantly at about pH 8.5, where ionization of the phenolic groups on the lignin macromolecule may be expected. Furthermore, at this elevated pH, the adsorbed amount of PDADMAC decreased as the ionic strength of the solution increased above 1 mM. This is due to the competitive adsorption of counterions to the lignin surface and indicates that the adsorption of PDADMAC to lignin is of a pure electrosorption nature.     

Virus adsorption to mineral surfaces is reduced by microbial overgrowth and organic coatings

In experiments with strains of poliovirus, reovirus, echovirus, and Coxsackievirus, overgrowth with exopolymer-forming bacteria reduced virus adsorption to mineral surfaces. Adsorption was improved when organic materials adsorbed to minerals were removed by low-temperature ashing. In a soil series, virus adsorption increased with soil depth. This paralleled a decrease in organic content, but differences in charge development of the soil particles may also be involved. Prolonged (40-year) irrigation with treated sewage effluents, leading to a buildup of organic coatings, also decreased adsorption. However, saturation of the virus-binding capacity of the soil as a result of continuous exposure to virus-containing effluents was not apparent.     

Influence of pH and electrolyte composition on adsorption of poliovirus by soils and minerals

The pH and the nature an concentration of simple electrolytes influenced the interaction of poliovirus type 2 with three soils, a sand, and a clay mineral. In electrolytes above pH 9 the virus was not adsorbed extensively to the substrates, but below pH 7 almost all virus was bound. For each adsorbent there was a characteristic pH region of transition from strong to weak uptake. Differences between the soils in virus uptake were shown to parallel their pH-dependent mineral. In electrolytes above pH 9 the virus was not adsorbed extensively to the substrates, but below pH 7 almost all virus was bound. For each adsorbent there was a characteristic pH region of transition from strong to weak uptake. Differences between the soils in virus uptake were shown to parallel their pH-dependent mineral. In electrolytes above pH 9 the virus was not adsorbed extensively to the substrates, but below pH 7 almost all virus was bound. For each adsorbent there was a characteristic pH region of transition from strong to weak uptake. Differences between the soils in virus uptake were shown to parallel their pH-dependent charge properties, as determined by whole-particle microelectrophoresis. Only when the pH was close to or above the critical region was uptake increased with electrolyte concentration. The transition region for all substrates was above pH 7.5 the isoelectric point of the virus. Thus, it appears that when both the virus and substrate are highly negative charged, repulsive electrostatic effects may exceed inherent attractive interactions, thereby inhibiting adsorption.     

Adsorption of plasmid DNA to mineral surfaces and protection against DNase I.

The adsorption of [3H]thymidine-labeled plasmid DNA (pHC314; 2.4 kb) of different conformations to chemically pure sand was studied in a flowthrough microenvironment. The extent of adsorption was affected by the concentration and valency of cations, indicating a charge-dependent process. Bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) were 100-fold more effective than monovalent cations (Na+, K+, NH4+). Quantitative adsorption of up to 1 microgram of negatively supercoiled or linearized plasmid DNA to 0.7 g of sand was observed in the presence of 5 mM MgCl2 at pH 7. Under these conditions, more than 85% of DNA adsorbed within 60 s. Maximum adsorption was 4 micrograms of DNA to 0.7 g of sand. Supercoil molecules adsorbed slightly less than linearized or open circular plasmids. An increase of the pH from 5 to 9 decreased adsorption at 0.5 mM MgCl2 about eightfold. It is concluded that adsorption of plasmid DNA to sand depends on the neutralization of negative charges on the DNA molecules and the mineral surfaces by cations. The results are discussed on the grounds of the polyelectrolyte adsorption model. Sand-adsorbed DNA was 100 times more resistant against DNase I than was DNA free in solution. The data support the idea that plasmid DNA can enter the extracellular bacterial gene pool which is located at mineral surfaces in natural bacterial habitats.     

Adsorption of plasmid DNA to mineral surfaces and protection against DNase I.

The adsorption of [3H]thymidine-labeled plasmid DNA (pHC314; 2.4 kb) of different conformations to chemically pure sand was studied in a flowthrough microenvironment. The extent of adsorption was affected by the concentration and valency of cations, indicating a charge-dependent process. Bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) were 100-fold more effective than monovalent cations (Na+, K+, NH4+). Quantitative adsorption of up to 1 microgram of negatively supercoiled or linearized plasmid DNA to 0.7 g of sand was observed in the presence of 5 mM MgCl2 at pH 7. Under these conditions, more than 85% of DNA adsorbed within 60 s. Maximum adsorption was 4 micrograms of DNA to 0.7 g of sand. Supercoil molecules adsorbed slightly less than linearized or open circular plasmids. An increase of the pH from 5 to 9 decreased adsorption at 0.5 mM MgCl2 about eightfold. It is concluded that adsorption of plasmid DNA to sand depends on the neutralization of negative charges on the DNA molecules and the mineral surfaces by cations. The results are discussed on the grounds of the polyelectrolyte adsorption model. Sand-adsorbed DNA was 100 times more resistant against DNase I than was DNA free in solution. The data support the idea that plasmid DNA can enter the extracellular bacterial gene pool which is located at mineral surfaces in natural bacterial habitats.     

Influence of pH and electrolyte composition on adsorption of poliovirus by soils and minerals.

The pH and the nature an concentration of simple electrolytes influenced the interaction of poliovirus type 2 with three soils, a sand, and a clay mineral. In electrolytes above pH 9 the virus was not adsorbed extensively to the substrates, but below pH 7 almost all virus was bound. For each adsorbent there was a characteristic pH region of transition from strong to weak uptake. Differences between the soils in virus uptake were shown to parallel their pH-dependent mineral. In electrolytes above pH 9 the virus was not adsorbed extensively to the substrates, but below pH 7 almost all virus was bound. For each adsorbent there was a characteristic pH region of transition from strong to weak uptake. Differences between the soils in virus uptake were shown to parallel their pH-dependent mineral. In electrolytes above pH 9 the virus was not adsorbed extensively to the substrates, but below pH 7 almost all virus was bound. For each adsorbent there was a characteristic pH region of transition from strong to weak uptake. Differences between the soils in virus uptake were shown to parallel their pH-dependent charge properties, as determined by whole-particle microelectrophoresis. Only when the pH was close to or above the critical region was uptake increased with electrolyte concentration. The transition region for all substrates was above pH 7.5 the isoelectric point of the virus. Thus, it appears that when both the virus and substrate are highly negative charged, repulsive electrostatic effects may exceed inherent attractive interactions, thereby inhibiting adsorption.     

Accumulation and soil-to-plant transfer of radionuclides in the Nile Delta coastal black sand habitats

The radionuclide content was estimated in the soil of three black sand habitats in the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, namely, sand mounds and coastal sand planes and dunes. In addition, a total of 14 heavy minerals found in the soils were characterized. The soil to plant transfer of uranium and thorium was tested on three black sand species, namely, Cakile maritima Scop., Senecio glaucus L. and Rumex Pictus Forssk. The transfer of thorium and uranium radionuclides from the soil to plant is complex process that is subjected to many variables; among which are the organic matter and clay content of the soil, the type of radionuclides and plant species. The study revealed a strong negative relationship between uranium and thorium uptake by S. glaucus and R. pictus and the clay and organic matter content of soil. Concentration of thorium in the soil has a negative correlation with soil-to-plant transfer factor. The study results suggest the possibility of using black sand species for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with radioactive elements. The potentiality of S. glaucus as phytoremediator of radionuclides polluted soils is greater than R. pictus which in turn outweigh C. maritima.     

Adsorption Evaluation of Herbicide Iodosulfuron Followed by Cedrus deodora Sawdust-Derived Activated Carbon Removal

The paucity of sorption studies of sulfonylurea herbicide Iodosulfuron has led to the current research for investigation of this imperative phenomena. Iodosulfuron adsorption capacity was evaluated through batch equilibrium experiments in six soil samples collected from distinct geographical regions of Pakistan. Activated carbon prepared from sawdust (Cedrus deodara) was investigated as an economical and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of Iodosulfuron from selected soils. Removal efficiency was studied as a function of contact time and pesticide concentration. Results exhibited a good adsorption capability of Iodosulfuron in different soils. Adsorption coefficient values ranged from 8.9 to 26 mL/g. Soil pH and organic matter greatly influenced the rate of adsorption. The linear adsorption model fitted best with the experimental results. Gibbs free energy values (?17 to ?20 kJ/mol) proposed physisorption and exothermic interaction of Iodosulfuron with selected soils. Analysis of variance and regression displayed a negative correlation of soil pH and K_d (R² = ?0.91) and positive correlation with organic matter (R² = 0.87). A good removal rate for was observed in soils by sawdust-derived activated carbon. Soil properties mainly; pH, organic matter and sand content greatly influenced Iodosulfuron removal phenomena. Biomass-derived activated carbon can thus be utilized as a sustainable remediation tool.     

Influence of water quality on enteric virus concentration by microporous filter methods

Four enteric viruses, poliovirus type 1, echovirus type 1, reovirus type 3, and simian adenovirus SV-11, were concentrated from seeded 1.3-liter volumes of raw, finished, and granular activated carbon-treated waters by adsorption to 47-mm-diameter (17 cm2), electropositive ( Virosorb 1MDS ) filters at pH 7.5 or electronegative ( Filterite ) filters at pH 3.5 with and without 5 mM added MgCl2, followed by elution with 0.3% beef extract in 50 mM glycine at pH 9.5. Removal of particulates from raw and finished waters by 0.2-micron prefiltration before virus addition and pH adjustment had little effect on virus concentration efficiencies. Soluble organic compounds reduced virus adsorption efficiencies from both raw and finished waters compared with granular activated carbon-treated water, but the extent of interference varied with virus type and adsorption conditions. For electropositive 1MDS filters, organic interference was similar with all virus types. For Filterite filters, organic interference was evident with poliovirus and echovirus, but could be overcome by adding MgCl2. Reovirus and SV-11 were not adversely affected by organics during adsorption to Filterite filters. Elution of reovirus and adenovirus was inefficient compared with that of poliovirus and echovirus. None of the three adsorption schemes ( 1MDS at pH 7.5 and Filterite with and without 5 mM MgCl2 at pH 3.5) could be judged superior for all viruses and water types tested.     

Influence of water quality on enteric virus concentration by microporous filter methods.

Four enteric viruses, poliovirus type 1, echovirus type 1, reovirus type 3, and simian adenovirus SV-11, were concentrated from seeded 1.3-liter volumes of raw, finished, and granular activated carbon-treated waters by adsorption to 47-mm-diameter (17 cm2), electropositive ( Virosorb 1MDS ) filters at pH 7.5 or electronegative ( Filterite ) filters at pH 3.5 with and without 5 mM added MgCl2, followed by elution with 0.3% beef extract in 50 mM glycine at pH 9.5. Removal of particulates from raw and finished waters by 0.2-micron prefiltration before virus addition and pH adjustment had little effect on virus concentration efficiencies. Soluble organic compounds reduced virus adsorption efficiencies from both raw and finished waters compared with granular activated carbon-treated water, but the extent of interference varied with virus type and adsorption conditions. For electropositive 1MDS filters, organic interference was similar with all virus types. For Filterite filters, organic interference was evident with poliovirus and echovirus, but could be overcome by adding MgCl2. Reovirus and SV-11 were not adversely affected by organics during adsorption to Filterite filters. Elution of reovirus and adenovirus was inefficient compared with that of poliovirus and echovirus. None of the three adsorption schemes ( 1MDS at pH 7.5 and Filterite with and without 5 mM MgCl2 at pH 3.5) could be judged superior for all viruses and water types tested.     

Specific Surface Area Effect on Adsorption of Chlorpyrifos and TCP by Soils and Modelling

The adsorption of chlorpyrifos and TCP (3,5,6, trichloro-2-pyridinol) was determined in four soils (Mollisol, Inceptisol, Entisol, Alfisol) having different specific surface areas (19–84 m² g^?1) but rather similar organic matter content (2.4–3.5%). Adsorption isotherms were derived from batch equilibration experiments at 25°C. After liquid-liquid extraction, the chlorpyrifos and TCP concentrations in the solution phase were determined by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. Adsorption coefficients were calculated using the Freundlich adsorption equation. High K_F coefficients for chlorpyrifos (15.78) and TCP (6.54) were determined for the Entisol soil, while low K_F coefficients for chlorpyrifos (5.32) and TCP (3.93) were observed in the Alfisol soil. In all four soils, adsorption of chlorpyrifos was higher than that of TCP. A surface complexation model, the constant capacitance model, was well able to fit the adsorption isotherms of both chlorpyrifos and TCP on all four soils. The results showed that specific surface area affected adsorption of both chlorpyrifos and TCP. Among the soil properties, specific surface area could be a better indicator than organic matter content alone for adsorption of chlorpyrifos and TCP by soils that contained low organic matter.     

Mechanisms of polyelectrolyte enhanced surfactant adsorption at the air-water interface

Chitosan, a naturally occurring cationic polyelectrolyte, restores the adsorption of the clinical lung surfactant Survanta to the air-water interface in the presence of albumin at much lower concentrations than uncharged polymers such as polyethylene glycol. This is consistent with the positively charged chitosan forming ion pairs with negative charges on the albumin and lung surfactant particles, reducing the net charge in the double-layer, and decreasing the electrostatic energy barrier to adsorption to the air-water interface. However, chitosan, like other polyelectrolytes, cannot perfectly match the charge distribution on the surfactant, which leads to patches of positive and negative charge at net neutrality. Increasing the chitosan concentration further leads to a reduction in the rate of surfactant adsorption consistent with an over-compensation of the negative charge on the surfactant and albumin surfaces, which creates a new repulsive electrostatic potential between the now cationic surfaces. This charge neutralization followed by charge inversion explains the window of polyelectrolyte concentration that enhances surfactant adsorption; the same physical mechanism is observed in flocculation and re-stabilization of anionic colloids by chitosan and in alternate layer deposition of anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes on charged colloids.     

Effects of Temperature,pH and Salt Concentrations on the Adsorption of Bacillus subtilis on Soil Clay Minerals Investigated by Microcalorimetry

Adsorption of microorganisms on minerals is a ubiquitous interfacial phenomenon in soil. Knowledge of the extent and mechanisms of bacterial adsorption on minerals is of great agronomic and environmental importance. This study examined adsorption of Bacillus subtilis on three common minerals in soils such as kaolinite, montmorillonite and goethite under various environmental conditions. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to investigate the effects of temperature (20, 30, and 40°C), pH (5.0, 7.0, and 9.0) and KNO₃ concentration (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mol L^?1) on the adsorption by direct measurement of enthalpies. The results revealed that the adsorption process in all the mineral systems were exothermic, with the enthalpy changes (ΔH_ads ) ranging from ?52 to ?137, ?33 to ?147, and ?53 to ?141 kJ kg^?1 (dry weight of adsorbed bacteria) for kaolinite, montmorillonite, and goethite, respectively. No obvious dependence of ΔH_ads on temperature was observed. The heat release for all the systems generally declined with pH and decrease of salt concentration, which can be explained by the variations of hydrophobicity and electrostatic force with pH or salt concentration. The largest decrease was found for goethite among the three minerals from pH 5.0 to 7.0, suggesting that electrostatic attraction may play a more important role in bacterial adsorption on this mineral. The ΔH_ads values for all the minerals became nearly the same at pH 9.0, indicating that the same force probably hydrophobicity governing the adsorption for the minerals in alkaline environment. It is assumed that acidic or saline soils and the associated environments favor the adsorption of B. subtilis on clay minerals. In addition, the negative enthalpies expressed as kJ kg^?1 (carbon) revealed an energy flow into the environment accompanied by the carbon adsorption on the minerals in soil.     

High-throughput analysis of mumps virus and the virus-specific monoclonal antibody on the arrays of a cationic polyelectrolyte with a spectral SPR biosensor

We investigated the potential use of a spectral surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor in a high-throughput analysis of mumps virus and a mumps virus-specific mAb on the arrays of a cationic polyelectrolyte, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). The PDDA surface was constructed by electrostatic adsorption of the polyelectrolyte onto a monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA). Poly-L-lysine was also adsorbed onto the MUA monolayer and compared with the PDDA surface in the capacity of mumps virus immobilization. The PDDA surface showed a higher adsorption of mumps virus than the poly-L-lysine surface. The SPR signal caused by the virus binding onto the PDDA surface was proportional to the concentration of mumps virus from 0.5 x 10(5) to 14 x 10(5) pfu/mL. The surface structure of the virus arrays was visualized by atomic force microscopy. Then, a dose-dependent increase in the SPR signal was observed when various concentrations of the antimumps virus antibody in buffer or human serum were applied to the virus arrays, and their interaction was specific. Thus, it is likely that the spectral SPR biosensor based on the cationic polyelectrolyte surface may provide an efficient system for a high-throughput analysis of intact virus and serodiagnosis of infectious diseases.     

Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl adsorbent obtained from enzymatic saccharification residue of lignocellulose

In this study, the effective utilization of lignocellulose residue as an adsorbent was investigated. Japanese cypress wood flour subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment and ball-mill grinding was saccharified with an enzyme. The residual wood flour was carbonized and activated by physical and chemical activation to produce adsorbents for persistent organic pollutant removal. The adsorption properties were investigated by pore analysis using the N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherm and adsorption tests for dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in a hexane solution. The obtained adsorbents showed high production yields and adsorption properties for dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls.