Removal of Ni(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Nanoscale Magnetite

Magnetite nanoparticles were applied to remove Ni(II) from aqueous solutions as a function of pH, contact time, supporting electrolyte concentration, and analytical initial Ni(II) concentration. The highly crystalline nature of the magnetite structure with diameter of around 10 nm was characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). The surface area was determined to be 115.3 m²/g. Surface chemical properties of magnetite at 25°C in aqueous suspensions were investigated. The point of zero charge (pHzpc) was found to be 7.33 and the intrinsic acidity constants (${\rm p}K_{{\rm a}1}^{{\rm s}} $ and ${\rm p}K_{{\rm a}2}^{{\rm s}} $ ) were found to be 9.3 and 5.9, respectively. The surface functional groups were investigated with Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the adsorption kinetics and mechanism of Ni(II) by these magnetite nanoparticles. The adsorption process was found to be pH dependent. In NaCl solutions, Ni(II) adsorption increased with increasing ionic strength while in NaClO₄ solutions, Ni(II) adsorption exhibited little dependence on the ionic strength of the solution. The adsorption process better followed the pseudo‐second order equation and Freundlich isotherm.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate‐hydroxyapatite) a Novel Composite for the Removal of Lead(II) from Aqueous Solutions

In the present study, a novel adsorbent, poly (2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate‐hydroxyapatite) [P(HEMA‐Hap)], was prepared and characterized. The synthesis was achieved by means of free‐radical polymerization and a number of structural characterization methods, including FT‐IR, XRD, TGA, SEM, BET‐porosity, and swelling tests. Pb²⁺ adsorption was performed using a series of pH, time, and temperature ranges. The reusability of the composite was also tested. The results obtained indicated that the novel adsorbent is able to bind Pb²⁺ ions with strong chemical affinity. The adsorption results were fitted to the classic Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) sorption models. Thermodynamic parameters obtained demonstrated that the sorption process was spontaneous (ΔG < 0), endothermic (ΔH > 0), as expected. The process was also consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order model, and chemical adsorption was determined to be the rate‐controlling step. It was also shown that the composite could be used for five consecutive adsorption processes.     

Removal of Cr(VI) by Zero‐valent,Iron‐encapsulated Alginate Beads

Zero‐valent, iron‐encapsulated alginate beads were synthesized and were applied for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The effects of several important parameters including solution pH, contact time, initial concentration and reaction temperature on Cr(VI) removal levels were investigated in batch studies. An initial solution pH of 1.0 was seen to be most favorable for Cr(VI) removal. The removal process was quick and almost 80% of the removal was attained within 60 min. The kinetic data followed the second‐order equation well. The Cr(VI) removal was almost reaction temperature‐independent and decreased with an increase in Cr(VI) initial concentration. The removal of Cr(VI) by iron‐encapsulated alginate beads was found to be significantly higher than that of non‐encapsulated alginate beads.     

Removal of Selenium by Adsorption onto Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)

The present work involves the study of Se(IV) adsorption onto granular activated carbon (GAC) and powdered activated carbon (PAC). The adsorbents are coated with ferric chloride solution for the effective removal of selenium. The physico-chemical characterization of the adsorbents is carried out using standard methods, e. g., proximate analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermo-gravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), etc. The FTIR spectra of the GAC and PAC indicate the presence of various types of functional groups, e. g., free and hydrogen bonded OH groups, silanol groups (Si-OH), alkenes, and CO group stretching from aldehydes and ketones on the surface of adsorbents. Batch experiments are carried out to determine the effect of various factors such as adsorbent dose (w), initial pH, contact time (t), and temperature (T) on the adsorption process. The optimum GAC and PAC dosage is found to be 10 g/L and 8 g/L, respectively, for Se(IV) removal with C₀ = 100 mg/L. The percent removal of Se(IV) increases with increasing adsorbent concentration, while removal per unit weight of adsorbent increases with decreasing adsorbent concentration. Se(IV) adsorption onto both the GAC and PAC adsorbents is high at low pH values, and decreases with increased initial pH. The results obtained are analyzed by various kinetic models. The parameters of pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order kinetics, and Weber-Morris intra particle kinetics are determined. It is seen that the sorption kinetics of Se(IV) onto GAC and PAC can be best represented by the pseudo-second order kinetic model.     

Optimization and Characterization of Tl(I) Adsorption onto Modified Ulmus carpinifolia Tree Leaves

Ulmus carpinifolia tree leaves were successfully used to remove Tl(I) from aqueous solution in a batch system. In order to improve the uptake capacity of sorbent, it was modified by various chemical agents such as NaOH, HNO₃, NH₃, NaCl, NaHCO₃, and CaCl₂. Among the modifiers, NaCl was the best. Equilibrium behavior of sorbent with Tl(I) was examined by the several isotherms. Considering modified U. carpinifolia equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir model with maximum capacity of 54.6 mg/g. The other isotherms such as: Freundlich and Dubinin‐Redushkevich (D‐R) models were also examined. The central composite design (CCD) was successfully employed for optimization of biosorption process. An empirical model was given through using response surface methodology. Also its validation was recognized by using relevant statistical tests such as ANOVA. The optimum conditions of biosorption: pH, m (amount of sorbent) and C (initial concentration) were found to be 7.9, 11.4 g/L, and 8.8 mg/L, respectively. On the other hand thermodynamic parameters: ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS were evaluated: the obtained results show that biosorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. Eventually, FT‐IR analysis confirmed that the main functional groups of sorbent have been involved through the biosorption process.     

Proposed Adsorption–Diffusion Model for Characterizing Chromium(VI) Removal Using Dried Water Hyacinth Roots

Experiments have been carried out to characterize the adsorption of chromium(VI) in the aqueous phase onto dried roots of water hyacinth. Results revealed a very high degree of removal efficiency (∼100%). Theoretical analyzes are also made for describing the sorption and diffusion processes. The effective pore diffusivity of chromium(VI) in the water hyacinth roots is determined by a suitable global optimization technique. The depth of penetration, on the other hand, has been estimated for various initial concentrations of chromium(VI). Theoretically predicted concentration profiles are in excellent agreement with the experimental values.     

Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Date Bead Carbon Activated with ZnCl2

This study reports on the adsorption characteristics of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions using ZnCl₂‐activated date (Phoenix dactylifera) bead (ADB) carbon with respect to change in adsorbent dosage, initial pH, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature of the solution. Kinetic studies of the data showed that the adsorption follows the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy change (ΔH° = 55.11 kJ/mol), entropy change (ΔS° = ? 0.193 kJ/mol/K), and Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) were also calculated for the uptake of Pb(II) ions. These parameters show that adsorption on the surface of ADB was feasible, spontaneous in nature, and endothermic between temperatures of 298.2 and 318.2 K. The equilibrium data better fitted the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models than the D–R adsorption isotherm model for studying the adsorption behavior of Pb(II) onto the ADB carbon. It could be observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of ADB was 76.92 mg/g at 318.2 K and pH 6.5.     

Removal of Cationic Dye from Aqueous Solution by a Macroporous Hydrophobically Modified Poly(acrylic Acid‐acrylamide) Hydrogel with Enhanced Swelling and Adsorption Properties

A macroporous, hydrophobically modified poly(acrylic acid‐acrylamide) hydrogel was prepared. The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) results showed that the hydrogel had a macroporous structure. The dynamic swelling and removal of cationic dyes, crystal violet (CV) and basic magenta (BM), by this macroporous hydrophobically modified poly(acrylic acid‐acrylamide) hydrogel were studied. The adsorption capacity and kinetic and isotherm studies of the cationic dyes into the hydrogels have been evaluated. It was found that the macroporous hydrophobically modified hydrogel (M) exhibited improved swelling and adsorption capacity compared with the non‐macroporous hydrophobically modified hydrogel (NM). The adsorption process agreed very well with the Langmuir model and the adsorption of the cationic dyes depended on the pH of the solution via a mechanism combining swelling, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, adsorption kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, indicating that chemical adsorption was the rate‐limiting step.     

Sensitive Ion‐Flotation Separation of Ag(I) Traces Using 2‐(2‐Methoxyphenyl)benzimidazole before Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determination in Water

A sensitive, reliable, and environmentally friendly method for simple separation and preconcentration of Ag(I) traces in aqueous samples is presented prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. At pH 7.0, Ag(I) was separated with 2‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)benzimidazole (MPBI) as a new complexing agent and floated after adding sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a foaming reagent. The floated layer was then dissolved in proper amount of concentrated nitric acid in methanol and introduced to the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The effects of pH, concentration of MPBI, type and amount of surfactant as the floating agent, type and amount of eluting agent, and influence of foreign ions on the recovery of the analyte ion were investigated. Also, using a nonlinear curve fitting method, the formation constant of 1.62 × 10⁶ was obtained for Ag(I)–MPBI complex. The analytical curve was linear in the range of 1.8 × 10^?7–1.7 × 10^?6 mol/L for determination of Ag(I). The relative standard deviation (RSD; N = 10) corresponding to 0.7 × 10^?6 mol/L of Ag(I), the limit of detection (10 blanks), and the enrichment factor were obtained as 1.7%, 2.9 × 10^?8 mol/L, and 43.0, respectively. The proposed procedure was then applied successfully for determination of silver ions in different water samples.     

Removal of Phosphate in Aqueous Solution by Permethylated Poly(ethyleneimine) Entfernung von Phosphat mit permethyliertem Poly(ethylenimin) in wäßriger Lösung

The use of cationic, water-soluble, permethylated poly(ethyleneimine) (PMP) for the removal of phosphate ions was investigated using the Liquid-phase Polymer-based Retention (LPR) technique. The results showed that the retention values were dependent on the filtration factor (Z) and pH. In the presence of 10 mg/L phosphate and 1% PMP, 52% of the phosphate was retained at pH = 1.0 and 93% at pH = 8.5 for Z = 2. However only 11% of phosphate was retained at pH = 1.0 and 80% at pH = 8.5 for Z = 5. The maximum binding capacity of phosphate by 1% of PMP was 22 mg phosphate per gram of PMP at pH = 1.0 and 185 mg phosphate per gram of PMP at pH = 7.0. The influence of nitrate, chloride, and sulfate ions on the interaction of phosphate ions with PMP was also investigated. It was found that the interaction is strongly influenced by sulfate ions. In addition, viscosimetric measurements were performed and discussed.     

Cotton Fiber/ZrO2, A New Material for Adsorption of Cr(VI) Ions in Water

The natural cotton fiber was used to synthesize an anion exchange, containing ZrO₂ film on its surface, NCFZC (natural cotton fiber/ZrO₂ composite). This anion exchanger was produced by the reaction of the zirconium oxychloride and hydroxyl groups on surface of the natural cotton fiber. The material was used for Cr(VI) ions adsorption studies. Adsorption equilibrium time and optimum pH for Cr(VI) adsorption were found to be 6 h and 4.0, respectively. The Langmuir and Temkin isotherms were used to models adsorption equilibrium data. The adsorption capacity of NCFZC was found to be 1.33 mmol/g. Kinetic studies showed that the rate of adsorption of Cr(VI) on NCFZC obeyed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model.     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye C.I. Direct Blue 78 Using TiO2 Nanoparticles Immobilized on Recycled Wool‐Based Nonwoven Material

This paper discusses the possibility of immobilization of TiO₂ nanoparticles onto recycled wool‐based nonwoven material, which can be utilized for removal of dyes from wastewater. The photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles deposited on the nonwoven material was evaluated in the aqueous solution of direct dye C.I. Direct Blue 78 under the UV illumination. Nonwoven material modified with TiO₂ nanoparticles provides complete removal of dye from the solution already after 4–6 h of UV illumination. However, photodegradation of the dye adsorbed on the nonwoven material was obtained within 24 h of UV illumination. The rate of dye adsorption and photodegradation depends on the amount of deposited TiO₂ nanoparticles. The increase of initial dye concentration induced decrease in photocatalytic efficiency of immobilized TiO₂ nanoparticles. The highest photodegradation rate was achieved in acidic conditions. Elevated temperatures positively affected the removal of dye from solution. Photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles deposited on nonwoven material was preserved after three photodegradation cycles.     

Cercis siliquastrum Tree Leaves as an Efficient Adsorbent for Removal of Ag(I): Response Surface Optimization and Characterization of Biosorption

The Cercis siliquastrum tree leaves are introduced as a low cost biosorbent for removal of Ag(I) from aqueous solution in a batch system. FT‐IR, XRD analysis, and potentiometric titration illustrate that the adsorption took place and the acidic functional group (carboxyl) of the sorbent was involved in the biosorption process. In addition, it was observed that the pH beyond pH_pzc 4.4 is favorable for the removal procedure. The effect of operating variables such as initial pH, temperature, initial metal ion concentration, and sorbent mass on the Ag(I) biosorption was analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The proposed quadratic model resulting from the central composite design approach (CCD) fitted very well to the experimental data. The optimum condition obtained with RSM was an initial concentration of Ag(I) of 85 mg L^?1, pH = 6.3 and sorbent mass 0.19 g. The applicability of different kinetic and isotherm models for current biosorption process was evaluated. The isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies showed the details of sorbate‐sorbent behavior. The competitive effect of alkaline and alkaline earth metal ions during the loading of Ag(I) was also considered.     

Electro‐Catalytic Degradation of Phenol Organics with SnO2‐Sb2O3/Ti Electrodes

The effect of extraordinary degradation of phenol organics on the SnO₂‐Sb₂O₃/Ti electrode is investigated through experimental research and theoretical analysis. The phenol organics contained 4‐chloro‐phenol, 4‐bromo‐phenol, and 2‐iodo‐phenol. At a current density of 4 mA cm^–2 and an electrolysis time of 12 h, the degradation efficiency of the phenols was over 98% with a relatively short degradation time, whereas the degradation time of the PbO₂/Ti electrode surpassed 40 h while delivering 100% disposal efficiency. Therefore, the effectiveness of electrochemical (EC) oxidation by the SnO₂‐Sb₂O₃/Ti was superior to that of the PbO₂/Ti electrode. At the same time, the SnO₂‐Sb₂O₃/Ti had higher oxygen generation potential and lower electron consumption than the other electrodes. This was mainly due to the effect of the middle Sb₂O₃ layer, which due to its high porosity and good catalytic effect, contributed to a better catalysis than the SnO₂ part.