Xanthan Gum (XG) Sorption and Hydraulic Conductivity of XG-Treated Soils

As discussed in Chaps. 4 , 5 , and 6 , properties of xanthan gum (XG), soil, and soil solution influence adsorption and aggregative success of XG–soil structure. Molecular weight, size, conformation and surface charge are all aspects of the XG that affect its sorption onto the soil particles. XG interacts more with the clay fraction of soils; as such, the particle surface area, type and amount of clay, soil structure, and pore-size distribution are soil attributes that influence the nature and level of XG sorption onto clay particle surfaces. The pH level, ionic strength, and electrolyte concentration of the soil solution also influence the sorption of XG onto clays.