Removal of phosphates from aqueous solution by sepiolite-nano zero valent iron composite optimization with response surface methodology

In this study, sepiolite-nano zero valent iron composite was synthesized and applied for its potential adsorption to remove phosphates from aqueous solution. This composite was characterized by different techniques. For optimization of independent parameters (pH = 3–9; initial phosphate concentration = 5–100 mg/L; adsorbent dosage = 0.2–1 g/L; and contact time = 5–100 min), response surface methodology based on central composite design was used. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic models were done under optimum conditions. The results indicated that maximum adsorption efficiency of 99.43 and 92% for synthetic solution and real surface water sample, respectively, were achieved at optimum conditions of pH 4.5, initial phosphate concentration of 25 mg/L, adsorbent dosage of 0.8 g/L, and 46.26 min contact time. The interaction between adsorbent and adsorbate is better described with the Freundlich isotherm (R ² = 0.9537), and the kinetic of adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order model. Electrostatic interaction was the major mechanisms of the removal of phosphates from aqueous solution. The findings of this study showed that there is an effective adsorbent for removal of phosphates from aqueous solutions.     

Adsorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by the iron (III)-impregnated sorbent prepared from sugarcane bagasse

An iron (III)-impregnated sorbent was prepared from sugarcane bagasse and ferric chloride solution via carbonization/activation in a muffle furnace at 500?°C for 4?h. The adsorption removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by the iron (III)-impregnated sorbent was then studied in a batch system. With increasing initial chromium (VI) concentration from 25 to 130?mg/L at an adsorbent dose of 300?mg/50?mL, the amount of adsorbed chromium (VI) increased from 4.15 to 12.20?mg/g at 20?°C, from 4.16 to 12.50?mg/g at 30?°C, and from 4.16 to 13.72?mg/g at 40?°C. The dynamical data fit very well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the calculated adsorption capacities of 4.16, 8.37, and 13.37?mg/g were equal to the actual values of the experiments at the initial chromium (VI) concentrations of 25, 50, and 100?mg/L, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm could yield better fits than the Freundlich isotherm. The calculated isotherm parameters confirmed the favorable adsorption of chromium (VI) on the iron (III)-impregnated sorbent.     

Removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution by barium ion cross-linked alginate beads

Barium ion cross-linked alginate beads have shown great affinity to toxic hexavalent chromium ions in aqueous solution, in contrast to the traditionally used calcium alginate beads. Our adsorption experiments were carried out by the batch contact method. The optimal pH for removal was found to be pH 4. The equilibrium was established in 4 h, and the removal efficiency of chromium(VI) was found to be 95 %. The adsorption data were applied to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Redushkevich (D–R), and Temkin isotherm equations. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm constants indicated a favorable adsorption. The value of mean sorption energy calculated from D–R isoterm indicates that the adsorption is essentially physical. The high maximum chromium(VI) adsorption capacity was determined from the Langmuir isotherm as 36.5 mg/g dry alginate beads. The chromium(VI) adsorption data were analyzed using several kinetic models such as the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich models, and the rate constants were quantified. Our study suggests that barium alginate beads can be used as cost-effective and efficient adsorbents for the removal of chromium(VI) from contaminated waters.     

Chromium(VI) adsorption from aqueous solution by prepared biochar from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Onopordom Heteracanthom</Emphasis>

In this research, the stems of Onopordom Heteracanthom which is a kind of weed were converted to biochar particles, and their characteristics were investigated. The morphology and purity of these particles were examined by SEM and EDX techniques, respectively. Specific surface area was obtained as 5.73 m² g^?1 by BET method. The biochar particles obtained from Onopordom Heteracanthom were evaluated as an adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous environments. The effect of some parameters such as initial concentration of Cr(VI), dosage of adsorbent, and pH were investigated on the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto the adsorbent. The equilibrium data were analyzed by various isotherm models. The results revealed that in this process, the adsorption isotherm and kinetics have more conformity with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics, respectively. The multi-linearity of the Weber and Morris adsorption kinetic model indicates that the intra-particle diffusion is not merely the rate-controlling step for the whole adsorption process.     

Biosorption of Cd(II) from synthetic wastewater using dry biofilms from biotrickling filters

Biofilms wasted from biotrickling filters was dried and used as biosorbent for Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorption condition and effect, adsorption isotherms and kinetics of Cd(II) removal were investigated, and the effects of competitive metal ions on Cd(II) removal were also examined. Results showed that the dry waste biofilms reached the maximum adsorption capacity of 42 mg/g of Cd(II) at 25 °C for 120 min when the initial concentration of Cd(II) and their pH were 50 mg/L and 6.0, respectively. Under these conditions, the removal efficiency of Cd(II) reached to 89.3% when the biosorbent dosage was 2.0 g/L. The Langmuir isotherm model correlated with the isotherm data better than the Freundlich isotherm model, and the pseudo-second-order model fitted the kinetic data better than the pseudo-first-order model. These results indicated that the adsorption was monolayer accompanied with chemical adsorption. In the presence of other metal ions, divalent metal ions of Ca and Zn inhibited the performance of Cd(II) biosorption significantly, while Na(I), K(I) and Fe(III) which had a higher or lower valence than Ca(II) affected slightly when containing 50 mg/L Cd(II), 0.5 g/L adsorbent dosage and pH 6.0. The analyses of scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy illuminated that the biosorbent had porous structures and the amide group was the majorly responsible for Cd(II) removal. Dry biofilms were novel sorbents for effective removal Cd(II), and it could be reused and recycled if necessary.     

Kinetic and equilibrium study of Ni(II) sorption from aqueous solutions onto Peganum harmala-L

In this study, the adsorption behavior of Ni(II) in an aqueous solution system using natural adsorbent Peganum harmala-L was measured via batch mode. The prepared sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption–desorption and pH_zpc. Adsorption experiments were carried out by varying several conditions such as contact time, metal ion concentration and pH to assess kinetic and equilibrium parameters. The equilibrium data were analyzed based on the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. Kinetic data were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particular diffusion models. Experimental data showed that at contact time 60 min, metal ion concentration 50 mg/L and pH 6, a maximum amount of Ni(II) ions can be removed. The experimental data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model as is evident from the high R ² value of 0.988. The adsorption capacity (q _m) obtained was 68.02 mg/g at an initial pH of 6 and a temperature of 25 °C. Kinetic studies of the adsorption showed that equilibrium was reached within 60 min of contact and the adsorption process followed the pseudo-first-order model. The obtained results show that P. harmala-L can be used as an effective and a natural low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solutions.     

Significance of co-immobilized activated carbon and Bacillus subtilis on removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions

Batch sorption system using co-immobilized (activated carbon and Bacillus subtilis) beads as adsorbent was investigated to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the functional groups of both bacteria and activated carbon in co-immobilized beads. Experiments were carried out as a function of contact time (5–300 min), initial metal concentration (50–200 mg L^?1), pH (2–8), and adsorbent dose (0.2–1 g L^?1). The maximum percentage of removal was found to be 99 %. Langmuir model showed satisfactory fit to the equilibrium adsorption data of co-immobilized beads. The kinetics of the adsorption followed pseudo-second-order rate expression, which demonstrates that chemisorption plays a significant role in the adsorption mechanism. The significant shift in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peaks and a Cr peak in the scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectroscopy spectra further confirmed the adsorption. The results indicate that co-immobilized beads can be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution.     

Hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solutions by using low-cost biological wastes: equilibrium and kinetic studies

The batch removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions using almond shell, activated sawdust, and activated carbon, which are low-cost biological wastes under different experimental conditions, was investigated in this study. The influences of initial concentration, adsorbent dose, adsorbent particle size, agitation speed, temperature, contact time, and pH of solution were investigated. The adsorption was solution pH dependent and the maximum adsorption was observed at a solution pH of 2.0. The capacity of chromium adsorption under equilibrium conditions increased with the decrease in particle sizes. The equilibrium was achieved for chromium ion after 30?min. Experimental results showed that low-cost biosorbents are effective for the removal of pollutants from aqueous solution. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model gave a better fit of the experimental data as compared to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Experimental data showed a good fit with the Freundlich isotherm model. Changes in the thermodynamic parameters, including Gibbs free energy (??G_o), enthalpy (??H_o), and entropy (??S_o), indicated that the biosorption of hexavalent chromium onto almond shell, activated sawdust, and activated carbon was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic in the temperature range 28?C50?°C.     

Advantage of almond green hull over its resultant ash for chromium(VI) removal from aqueous solutions

The discharge of industrial effluents containing hexavalent chromium can be very harmful for the environment. Therefore, Cr(VI) should be removed from contaminated water, and especially from wastewater, to prevent its discharge into the environment. This study is aimed at analyzing the factors that affect the removal of Cr(VI) with the use of almond green hull and ash adsorbent. The effects of pH (2–10), adsorbent dose (2–24 g/L), Cr(VI) concentration (10–100 mg/L), exposure time (1–60 min), and temperature (5–50 °C) were examined. The surface morphology, pore size of adsorbent surfaces were characterized with SEM, EDX, FTIR. Maximum removal occurred at pH = 2. Results showed that the removal yield increased with the rise of exposure time and temperature. The data indicate that due to limited site on adsorbent surface, the removal efficiency decreased as initial Cr(VI) concentration increased. When the adsorbent dose was increased, the removal yield increased in the case of the bioadsorbent as well; however, in the ash adsorbent, there was an increase followed by a decreasing trend. The study highlights that almond green hull can be more efficient than its ash in the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. As a general result of study, it can be argued that almond green hull bioadsorbent and the obtained carbon are able to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions; thus, they can be used as efficient and economical substitutes for existing adsorbents like activated carbon, for the removal of chromium from polluted aqueous solutions.     

Adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of organophosphorus profenofos pesticide onto Fe/Ni bimetallic nanoparticles

Bimetallic Fe/Ni nanoparticles were synthesized and used for the removal of profenofos organophosphorus pesticide from aqueous solution. These novel bimetallic nanoparticles (Fe/Ni) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effect of the parameters of initial pesticide concentration, pH of the solution, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and contact time on adsorption was investigated. The adsorbent exhibited high efficiency for profenofos adsorption, and equilibrium was achieved in 8 min. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models were used to determine equilibrium. The Langmuir model showed the best fit with the experimental data (R ² = 0.9988). Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion models were tested to determine absorption kinetics. The pseudo-second-order model provided the best correlation with the results (R ² = 0.99936). The changes in the thermodynamic parameters of Gibb’s free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the adsorption process were also evaluated. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that profenofos adsorption using Fe/Ni nanoparticles is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The value of the activation energy (E _a = 109.57 kJ/mol) confirms the nature of the chemisorption of profenofos onto Fe/Ni adsorbent.     

Adsorption of Cd ions from aqueous solutions by iron modified pomegranate peel carbons: kinetic and thermodynamic studies

The experimental conditions for preparation of pomegranate peel carbon and Fe(III) modified pomegranate peel carbon were studied. The effects of main experimental parameters on carbon preparation such as carbonization time, carbonization temperature and Fe(III) impregnation ratio in pomegranate peel were investigated. The prepared carbons in various conditions were characterized by consideration of the production yield, ash content, iodine number, pH of zero point charge and their ability for adsorption of methylene blue. After preparation of carbons, their efficiency for removal of Cd²⁺ species from aqueous solution was investigated. The effect of experimental parameters such as Cd²⁺ initial concentration, pH of solution and contact time was studied by batch adsorption experiments. The fitting of experimental data in thermodynamic isotherms matched the linear results with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption capacity for Cd²⁺ species on Fe(III) modified pomegranate peel carbon was 22.72 mg/g and the adsorption kinetic presented the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.     

Ionic solid-impregnated sulphate-crosslinked chitosan for effective adsorption of hexavalent chromium from effluents

Microwave-assisted tetrabutyl ammonium-impregnated sulphate-crosslinked chitosan was synthesized for enhanced adsorption of hexavalent chromium. The adsorbent obtained was extensively characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray studies. Various isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich were studied to comprehend the adsorption mechanism of hexavalent chromium by the adsorbent. Maximum adsorption capacity of 225.9 mg g^?1 was observed at pH 3.0 in accordance with Langmuir isotherm model. The sorption kinetics and thermodynamic studies revealed that adsorption of hexavalent chromium followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with exothermic and spontaneous behaviour. A column packed with 1 g of adsorbent was found to give complete adsorption of Cr(VI) up to 900 mL of 200 mg L^?1 solution which discerns the applicability of the adsorbent material for higher sample volumes in column studies. The effective adsorption results were obtained due to both ion exchange and ion pair interaction of adsorbent with hexavalent chromium. Greener aspect of overall adsorption was regeneration of the adsorbent which was carried out using sodium hydroxide solution. In the present study, the regenerated adsorbent was effectively reused up to ten adsorption–desorption cycles with no loss in adsorption efficiency.     

Adsorption of chromium and copper in aqueous solutions using tea residue

In this study, adsorption of copper and chromium was investigated by residue of brewed tea (Tea Waste) from aqueous solutions at various values of pH. It was shown that adsorbent dose, copper and chromium ion concentrations in such solutions influence the degree of these heavy metal ions’ obviation. The adsorption level of the prepared solutions was measured by visible spectrophotometer. The tea residue adsorbed copper (II) and chromium (VI) ions at initial solution pH by 25 % and 3 %, respectively. During the experiments the peak adsorption occured in hydrated copper nitrate aqueous solution at pH range of 5–6. Likewise the maximum adsorption appeared in potassium chromate aqueous solution at pH range of 2–3. In addition, tea residue adsorbed about 60 mg/g of copper (II) ion at pH=5, while chromium adsorption was registered at about 19 mg/g at pH=2. The data obtained at the equilibrium state, was compared with Langmuir and Freundlich models. Results showed that regarding the kinetics of adsorption, the uptake of copper (II) and chromium (VI) ions by tea residue was comparatively faster, with the adsorption process exhaustion completed within the first 20 min of the experiments. Furthermore, results revealed that adsorption data concerning the kinetic phase is closely correlated with a pseudo-second order model with R²> 0.99 for copper (II) and chromium (VI) ions     

Preparation of magnetic microgels for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and removal of methylene blue from aqueous medium

This work describes the synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) microgels and fabrication of magnetic cobalt nanoparticles in the prepared microgels. Cobalt nanoparticles were fabricated by loading the cobalt (II) ions in microgels from aqueous solution and their subsequent reduction with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). Bare and composite microgels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic properties of the prepared microgel composites were investigated by using them as catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue. The effect of temperature and catalyst dose on the rate of reduction of these toxic pollutants was investigated. The reusability of prepared catalysts was also studied for the five consecutive cycles, and an increase in catalytic activity was observed after every cycle. The prepared bare and magnetic microgels were found as very effective adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous medium. Very rapid adsorption rate was found for the removal of methylene as its 100 mg was adsorbed on per gram of dried hydrogels in about 25 min. The effects of different parameters like amount of adsorbate and concentration of adsorbent on the adsorption process were studied. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherms were applied, and it was found that adsorption of MB follows Freundlich model better than others. Furthermore, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were also applied and adsorption of MB was found to abide by pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

D2EHPA-impregnated alumina for adsorption of strontium ions in environmental samples

The alumina impregnated by the di-2-ethyl hexyl phosphoric acid was introduced to make more adsorption of strontium as well as to determine the optimal conditions. The influence of various parameters such as pH, equilibrium time, adsorbent mass, interfering ions, and various eluant agents for the desorption of the strontium ions, initial concentration, and temperature was investigated to find out the adsorption behavior of the adsorbent under different conditions. The adsorbent was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experimental data were fitted on the two-parameter and three-parameter adsorption isotherm models. The Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson models have suitable fitting on the experimental data (R ² = 0.9307). The kinetic models of adsorption were analyzed by the pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models. The results have been indicated that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model is more appropriate than the others. Advantages of our method were simple operation, less time for preparation of adsorbent, rapid phase separation, and capability to combine with various detection techniques. The method has been utilized to extract and the recovery of strontium ions in environmental aqueous samples.     

Comparative study on adsorption of chromium(VI) from industrial wastewater onto nature-derived adsorbents (brown coal and zeolite)

The removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater streams has received an considerable attention in recent years, since it can cause harmful effects on the environment. Several approaches, including adsorption, are recognized to tackle this problem, but unfortunately most of these processes are impressed with practical conditions of the experiments. The main objective of this study was to recognize applicable conditions for Cr(VI) removal from an industrial drainage using nature-derived adsorbents (brown coal and modified zeolite) and to make the process more adaptive by using adsorbents conjointly. Batch experiments were carried out by agitating Cr(VI) stock solution with adsorbents at room temperature. The influence of main operating parameters was explored, and the best proportion of the adsorbents was determined. Maximum sorption of Cr(VI) onto brown coal was observed at pH = 4 by adding 60 g L^?1 adsorbent to contaminated solution. In case of using zeolite, the modification process was required, and the pH indicated a weak influence in a wide range (2–8). Optimum dosage of modified zeolite for Cr(VI) removal was 10 g L^?1. The hybrid application of adsorbents with the mass ratio of brown coal/modified zeolite at (3:1) was capable of removing more than 99% of Cr(VI) from contaminated wastewater in the natural pH range of the wastewater. The adsorption of Cr(VI) by brown coal and modified zeolite followed Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively. Sorption of Cr(VI) onto both brown coal and modified zeolite fitted well to pseudo-second-order rate reaction.     

A novel adsorbent for heavy metal remediation in aqueous environments

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using maize tassel as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of chromium (VI) and cadmium (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The effect of pH, solution temperature, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and adsorbent dose on the adsorption of chromium (VI) and cadmium (II) by tassel was investigated using batch methods. Adsorption for both chromium (VI) and cadmium (II) was found to be highly pH dependent compared to the other parameters investigated. Obtained results gave an adsorption capacity of 79.1 % for chromium (VI) at pH 2, exposure time of 1h at 25 °C. Maximum capacity of cadmium of 88 % was obtained in the pH range of 5-6 at 25 °C after exposure time of 1 h. The adsorption capacities of tassel for both chromium (VI) and cadmium (II) were found to be comparable to those of other commercial adsorbents currently in use for the removal of heavy metals from aqueous wastes. These results have demonstrated the immense potential of maize tassel as an alternative adsorbent for toxic metal ions remediation in polluted water and wastewater.     

Adsorption of a cationic dye (methylene blue) by Iranian natural clays from aqueous solutions: equilibrium,kinetic and thermodynamic study

Removal of dyes by low-cost adsorbents is an effective method in wastewater treatment. Iranian natural clays were determined to be effective adsorbents for removal of a basic dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solutions in batch processes. Characterizations of the clays were carried out by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Effects of the operational parameters such as adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, solution pH and temperature were investigated on the adsorption performance. Adsorption isotherms like Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin were used to analyze the adsorption equilibrium data and Langmuir isotherm was the best fit. Adsorption kinetics was investigated by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models and the results showed that the adsorption system conforms well to the pseudo-second-order model. The thermodynamic parameters of adsorption (ΔS°, ΔH° and ΔG°) were obtained and showed that the adsorption processes were exothermic.     

Adsorption of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by wheat bran

In this research, adsorption of chromium (VI) ions on wheat bran has been studied through using batch adsorption techniques. The main objectives of this study are to 1) investigate the chromium adsorption from aqueous solution by wheat bran, 2) study the influence of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and initial chromium concentration on adsorption process performance and 3) determine appropriate adsorption isotherm and kinetics parameters of chromium (VI) adsorption on wheat bran. The results of this study showed that adsorption of chromium by wheat bran reached to equilibrium after 60 min and after that a little change of chromium removal efficiency was observed. Higher chromium adsorption was observed at lower pHs, and maximum chromium removal (87.8 %) obtained at pH of 2. The adsorption of chromium by wheat bran decreased at the higher initial chromium concentration and lower adsorbent doses. The obtained results showed that the adsorption of chromium (VI) by wheat bran follows Langmuir isotherm equation with a correlation coefficient equal to 0.997. In addition, the kinetics of the adsorption process follows the pseudo second-order kinetics model with a rate constant value of 0.131 g/mg.min The results indicate that wheat bran can be employed as a low cost alternative to commercial adsorbents in the removal of chromium (VI) from water and wastewater.     

β-环糊精交联聚合物对氯苯的吸附特性

通过对水中含有微量氯苯的吸附特性研究,考察β-环糊精交联聚合物吸附氯苯的动力学、热力学及连续运行条件下的稳定性和再生性能。实验结果表明:β-环糊精交联聚合物吸附氯苯的过程符合准二级动力学模型,即化学吸附是吸附过程的控制步骤;β-环糊精交联聚合物上的等温吸附符合Langmuir吸附等温模型。在15、25、35℃时最大吸附量分别为23.36、28.17、27.85mg/g;动态模拟实验中,当氯苯质量浓度为10mg/L时,氯苯的去除率大于80%。乙醇作为溶剂可以使吸附饱和的β-环糊精交联聚合物再生。