Modified Activated Carbon for Copper Ion Removal from Aqueous Solution

Because of increasing environmental awareness, it is becoming more important to remove harmful elements from water solutions. This study used activated carbon (AC) derived from waste wood-based panels as the base material, oxidized with nitric acid (OAC), and grafted with iminodiacetic acid (IDA-OAC) to improve the adsorption capacity and affinity for metals. The characterization of AC, OAC, and IDA-OAC was conducted via FTIR, SEM, N2 adsorption and desorption analysis, elemental analysis, Boehm titration, and point of zero charge (PZC). The instrument studies proved the modified increasing of the functional groups of the adsorbents. Moreover, batch and column experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of the three adsorbents to remove copper ions from aqueous solution. In batch sorption, IDA-OAC had the highest adsorption capacity (84.51 mg/g) compared to OAC (54.74 mg/g) and AC (24.86 mg/g) at pH 5. The breakthrough point (Ct/Ci = 0.05) of copper ions for IDA-OAC occurred much later than AC in the column experiment (AC = 19 BV, IDA-OAC = 52 BV). The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-model kinetics modeling could better fit with the data obtained from the batch sorption of AC, OAC, and IDA-OAC. The significant capacity and reusability of IDA-OAC displayed high applicability for water treatment.

Preparation of Sodalite and Faujasite Clay Composite Membranes and Their Utilization in the Decontamination of Dye Effluents

The present work describes the deposition of two zeolite films, sodalite and faujasite, by the hydrothermal method to tune the mesopores of clay support, which are prepared from a widely available clay depot from the central region of Morocco (Midelt). The clay supports were prepared by a powder metallurgy method from different granulometries with activated carbon as a porosity agent, using uniaxial compression followed by a sintering process. The 160 µm ≤ Φ ≤ 250 µm support showed the highest water flux compared to the supports made from smaller granulometries with a minimum water flux of 1405 L.m−2·h−1 after a working time of 2 h and 90 min. This support was chosen for the deposition of sodalite (SOM) and faujasite (FAM) zeolite membranes. The X-ray diffraction of sodalite and faujasite showed that they were well crystallized, and the obtained spectra corresponded well with the sought phases. Such findings were confirmed by the SEM analysis, which showed that SOM was crystalized as fine particles while the FAM micrographs showed the existence of crystals with an average size ranging from 0.53 µm to 1.8 µm with a bipyramidal shape and a square or Cubo octahedral base. Nitrogen adsorption analysis showed that the pore sizes of the supports got narrowed to 2.28 nm after deposition of sodalite and faujasite. The efficiencies of SOM and FAM membranes were evaluated by filtration tests of solutions containing methyl orange (MO) using a flow loop, which were developed for dead-end filtration. The retention of methylene orange (MO) followed the order: SOM > FAM > 160 µm ≤ Φ ≤ 250 µm clay support with 55%, 48% and 35%, respectively. Size exclusion was the predominant mechanism of filtration of MO through SOM, FAM, and the support. However, the charge repulsion between the surface of the membrane and the negatively charged MO have not been ruled out. The point of zero charge (pzc) of the clay support, SOM and FAM membrane were pHpzc = 9.4, pHpzc = 10.6, and pHpzc = 11.4, respectively. Filtrations of MO were carried out between pH = 5.5 and pH = 6.5, which indicated that the surface of the membranes was positively charged while MO was negatively charged. The interaction of MO with the membranes might have happened through its vertical geometry.

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Activated Carbon@Polyindole Composite for the Effective Removal of Ionic Dye from Water

The present study is aimed at the synthesis and exploring the efficiency of a novel activated carbon incorporated polyindole (AC@PIN) composite for adsorptive removal of Malachite Green (MG) dye from aqueous solution. An AC@PIN hybrid material was prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The physico-chemical characteristics of the AC@PIN composite were assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, and determination of point of zero charge (pHPZC). A series of adsorption studies was conducted to evaluate the influence of operational parameters such as pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, AC@PIN dosage, and temperature on dye adsorption behavior of developed composite. A maximum dye removal percentage (97.3%) was achieved at the pH = 10, AC@PIN dosage = 6.0 mg, initial dye concentration 150 mg L−1, and temperature = 20 °C. The kinetic studies demonstrated that the adsorption of MG on AC@PIN followed pseudo-second-order model (R2 ≥ 0.99). Meanwhile, Langmuir isotherm model was founded to be the best isotherm model to describe the adsorption process. Finally, the recyclability test revealed that the composite exhibits good recycle efficiency and is stable after 5 cycles. The obtained results suggest that AC@PIN composite could be a potential candidate for the removal of MG from wastewater.

Tetracycline Adsorption from Aqueous Media by Magnetically Separable Fe3O4@Methylcellulose/APTMS (Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies)

This study aimed to synthesize Fe3O4@Methylcellulose/3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (Fe3O4@MC/APTMS) as a new magnetic nano-biocomposite by a facile, fast, and new microwave-assisted method and to be utilized as an adsorbent for tetracycline (TC) removal from aqueous solutions. Fe3O4@MC/APTMS was characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The point of zero charge (pHzpc) value of the nano-biocomposite was estimated to be 6.8 by the solid addition method. Optimum conditions were obtained in TC concentration: 10 mg L−1, adsorbent dosage: 80 mg L−1, contact time: 90 min, and solution pH: 6 with the maximum TC removal of 90% and 65.41% in synthetic and actual samples, respectively. The kinetic and isotherm equations pointed to a pseudo-second order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm optimum fitting models. Based on the values of entropy changes (ΔS) (50.04 J/mol k), the enthalpy changes (ΔH) (9.26 kJ/mol), and the negative Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG), the adsorption process was endothermic, random, and spontaneous. The synthesized adsorbent exhibited outstanding properties, including proper removal efficiency of TC, excellent reusability, and simple separation from aqueous media by a magnet. Consequently, it is highly desirable that Fe3O4@MC/APTMS magnetic nano-biocomposite could be used as a promising adsorbent for TC adsorption from aqueous solutions.

Sequestration of Hazardous Dyes from Aqueous Solution Using Raw and Modified Agricultural Waste

The continuous degradation of surface water quality by dye materials is of concern globally. Agricultural waste Litchi chinensis (LC) peel in its raw (RL) and modified (CL) forms was used as potential sorbents for sequestration of Congo red (CR) dye from an aqueous solution. The sorbents were characterized before and after sorption with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Determination of the point of zero charge (PZC) suggested CR dye sorption from an aqueous solution would be best in acidic pH. Batch experimental drivers such as the effects of time, dosage, initial concentration, pH, and temperature were optimized and used. Results from the study showed that modification with citric acid (CA) reduced the equilibration time from 90 to 15 min. Change in water chemistry did not significantly affect the removal efficiency of the sorbent but rather slightly improved it for both sorbent types. The smaller particle size of <125 μm recorded higher removal efficiency than the larger one (>125 μm). The effect of temperature affects the sorption differently. For the RL system, it decreases with an increase in the temperature, while for the CL system it increases with an increase in temperature. The Langmuir isotherm best described the equilibrium data obtained based on the linearized coefficients with maximum sorption capacities ( q max ) of 55.56 mg/g (RL) and 58.48 mg/g (CL). The pseudo-second-order model also best described the kinetic data. The thermodynamics study showed that the reaction is both feasible and spontaneous. Both sorbents recorded high removal efficiency for other dyes such as rhodamine B, methylene blue, methyl orange, malachite green, and erythrosin B. The five cycled regeneration/sorption experiments with 0.1 M NaOH as the desorbing agent showed that the regenerated sorbents efficiently removed CR dye from an aqueous solution close to their virgin samples for the first three cycles. This research, therefore, establishes LC peel as a potential eco-friendly, readily available, and effective sorbent for sequestration of hazardous dyes from wastewater.

SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED XANTHAN GUM

Xanthan gum is widely used as a stabilizing, emulsifying, thickening agent in pharmacology, medicine, food, oil, paint, textile, perfume, mining and agriculture. For food purposes, potassium, sodium or calcium salts of xanthan formed by carboxyl groups of glucuronic acid and pyruvate group are used. Currently, xanthan gum is not produced on an industrial scale in Russia. There are repeated attempts to create industries in various regions of the country. The paper synthesizes hydrophobized acetylated xanthan gum derivatives with different degrees of substitution. Physical-chemical and colloidal-chemical properties of initial and modified gum are compared by methods of viscosimetry, tensiometry, IR spectroscopy. The point of zero charge of xanthan gum is determined.. Change of macromolecule conformation depending on pH of aqueous solution and preliminary dewatering is shown. Delamination temperatures of initial and modified forms of xanthan gum were determined. The critical micelle formation concentration of the modified gum is 0.2%. At this concentration, the surface activity of the gum is 6.1 and 7.9 mJ m/kg when replacing two and five hydroxo groups, respectively. The possibility of using modified xanthan gum as a binder for obtaining fuel pellets with improved operational properties and calorific value is shown.

Removal of methylene blue using balanites aegyptiaca bark powder as low-cost and eco-friendly biosorbent

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the potential application of Balanites aegyptiaca bark powder (BABP) for removing a basic textile dye, methylene blue (MB), from aqueous solutions. Design/methodology/approach The biosorbent (BABP) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and point of zero charge (pHPZC). Batch mode was selected to study the biosorption of MB onto BABP surface at different experimental conditions (shaking speed, contact time, initial solution pH, ionic strength, solution temperature, biosorbent dosage and initial dye concentration). Besides, the reusability of BABP for MB biosorption was also examined. Findings The biosorption results revealed that approximately 96% of MB was removed successfully at the optimized operational conditions. Pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively, better described the adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The monolayer biosorption capacity (qmax) for MB was about 97.09 mg/g. According to thermodynamics findings, the MB biosorption onto BABP is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The results demonstrate that BABP can be considered as potential eco-friendly, readily available and low-cost biosorbent for hazardous textile dyes removal from water bodies and also provides a promising method for minimization of agricultural solid wastes (e.g. plant barks). Originality/value The utilization of Balanites aegyptiaca bark powder (BABP), solid waste material, as low-cost and eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of hazardous basic textile dye (methylene blue) from the aquatic environment.

Removal of Trimethoprim from Water using Carbonized Wood Waste as Adsorbents

Daniellia—oliveri sawdust-based adsorbents were employed to remove trimethoprim (TMP) from water. The sawdust was thermally carbonized and activated in-stu with ZnCl2 and H3PO4 separately. The adsorbents surface features were profiled using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and pH point of zero charge (pHpzc ) analyses. The prospects of the adsorbents for the removal of trimethoprim from water were verified. The adsorption processes were performed under different experimental conditions. The adsorption isotherm, the kinetics, and the thermodynamics were studied; and the data fitting output revealed that both chemisorptions and physisorption occurred. Surface and pore diffusion played active role in the adsorption of TMP by the adsorbents. The optimum conditions for adsorption of TMP by the adsorbents were pH at slightly acidic to neutral medium and temperature at room temperature. The fitting isotherm models were: Langmuir (R2 = 0.993) for the zinc-chloride-activated-carbon, Temkin (R2 = 0.962) for the phosphoric-acid-activated-carbon, and the kinetics: pseudo-second order (R2 = 0.997) for both. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacities of the adsorbents for TMP was 4.115 and 6.495 mg/g, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters determined suggested feasibility, spontaneity, and endothermicity of the adsorption processes. The results reveal that the adsorbents were goodprospects for the removal of TMP from water.

Determination of the point of zero charge of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) peel and its application as copper adsorbent

Objective: To determine the optimum pH at which the pineapple peel can adsorb the greatest amount of copper. Design/methodology/approach: Sorbent material. The size of the pineapple peel was reduced to 0.250 mm; it was chemically modified with 0.2 M NaOH and 0.2 M CaCl2. Point of zero charge (PZC). Six solutions were prepared with 0.5 g of sorbent in an aqueous medium (with a 3-8 pH range), they were stirred at 225 rpm for 48 h. The derivative method was used to plot the initial pH versus final pH, in order to determine the PZC. Copper adsorption. CuSO4 solutions were prepared in 2, 4, 6, 8 10 mg/L concentrations; 0.1 g of pineapple biomass was added adjusting the pH to 5. The solutions had a contact time of 0 to 24 h. Results: The pineapple peel had a 5.0 point of zero charge (PZC) value, which indicates that pH values higher than the PZC are required to obtain an adsorbent with a negatively charged surface and favor the copper adsorption. A 50% copper removal was obtained in all concentrations after a 1 h contact time. Limitations on study/implications: This research had no limitations. Findings/conclusions: The point of zero charge is a reliable parameter that allows the adsorption process to take place and provides a greater certainty to the metal adsorption process. Meanwhile, pineapple peel can be used as an adsorbent material, consequently reducing its accumulation in open dumps.

Adsorption of Copper (II) from Aqueous Solutions with Alginate/Clay Hybrid Materials

Massive amounts of industrial and agricultural water around the world are polluted by various types of contaminants that harm the environment and affect human health. Alginic acid is a very versatile green polymer used for heavy metal adsorption due to its availability, biocompatibility, low cost, and non-toxic characteristics. The aim of this paper was to prepare new low-cost hybrid composite beads using sodium alginate with treated montmorillonite and kaolin for the adsorption of copper (Cu) cations. Modified and unmodified clays were investigated by studying their morphology and elemental composition, functional groups, and mean particle size and particle size distribution. The characterization of alginate/clay hybrid composite beads was carried out by evaluating surface morphology (by scanning electron microscopy, SEM), crystallinity (by X-ray diffraction, XRD), and point of zero charge (pHpzc)(Zeta Potential Analyzer). Batch adsorption experiments of alginate/clay hybrid composite beads investigated the effect of metal concentration in the range of 1–4 mg L−1 on Cu(II) removal, adsorption kinetic for maximum 240 min, and Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted the adsorption for alginate/montmorillonite beads (R2 = 0.994), while the diffusion process was predominant for montmorillonite/kaolin beads (R2 = 0.985). The alginate/clay hybrid materials best fitted the Langmuir isotherm model.