An efficient p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene based adsorbent for the removal of carbofuran from aqueous media

Abstract

Present study describes the adsorption of carbofuran (CF) from aqueous solutions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene based modified silica through batch and column methods. Various parameters were optimized including initial pesticide concentrations (5 mg L−1), pH (2–10), contact time (60 min) and adsorbent dosage (30 mg). Modified silica was characterized by FT-IR and scanning electron microscope. The adsorption was further explained by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models. Moreover, adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics were also investigated. Adsorption in dynamic mode was evaluated by breakthrough volumes and the Thomas model, applying batch conditions using 30 mg of modified silica at pH 5. It has been noticed that CF removal efficiency of modified silica was 98 % as compared to bare silica (48 %). Adsorption of CF on modified silica was found to be multilayer and physical in nature. Consequently, adsorption obeys pseudo-second-order kinetic equation following external mass transfer diffusion process as the rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic parameter (ΔG, ΔS, ΔH) values suggest that the adsorption of CF is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Thomas model rate constant kTH (cm3 mg−1 min−1) and maximum solid phase concentration (qo mg g−1) was found to be 0.52 and 12.3, respectively, in dynamic mode.