Macroscopic proton coefficient density

In their description of metal ion adsorption, Benjamin and Leckie used an apparent adsorption reaction which included a generic relationship between the removal of a metal ion from solution and the release of protons. The macroscopic proton coefficient was given a constant value, suggesting that x was uniform for all site types and all intensities of metal ion/oxide surface site interaction. Because the numerical value of x is a fundamental part of the determination of K, discussions of surface site heterogeneity, which are formulated in terms similar to Equation 4, cannot be decoupled from observations of the response of x to pH and adsorption density. As will be discussed later, It is not the general concept of surface-site heterogeneity which is affected by what is known of x> instead, it is the specific details of the relationship between K, pH and T which is altered. 

The observation that the macroscopic proton coefficient is a function of adsorption density and pH has several implications for macroscopic modeling of cation and anion adsorption. The dependency of x on pH and T affects 1) the relationship of the macroscopic partitioning coefficient to pH and adsorption density, 2) the notion of metal ion preferences for a particular surface in systems with multiple solid phases, 3) the accuracy of predictive models when used over a range of adsorption density and pH values, and 4) conclusions about site heterogeneity based upon partitioning expressions which use constant proton coefficients. 

Honeyman, B. D., and J. O. Leckie (1986), "Macroscopic Partitioning Coefficient for Metal Ion Adsorption Proton Stoichiometry at Variable pH and Adsorption Density", in J. A. Davis and K. F. Hayes, Eds., Geochemical Processes at Mineral Surfaces, ACS Symposium, Washington, DC. 

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