Organic contaminant sorption parameters should only be compared across a consistent system of linear functions

Abstract

Modeling contaminant sorption data using a linear model is very common; however, the rationale for whether the y-intercept should be constrained or not remains a subject of debate. This article justifies constraining the y-intercept in the linear model to zero. By doing so, one imposes consistency on the system of linear equations, allowing for direct comparison of the sorption coefficients.

Keywords

• Organic contaminants
• Linear sorption modeling
• Distribution coefficient
• System of consistent linear equations
• Homogeneous system of linear equations
• Surface chemistry