Batch and continuous study of one-step sustainable green graphene sand hybrid synthesized from Date-syrup for remediation of contaminated groundwater

Abstract

The objective of this investigation involved the green synthesis of Graphene Sand Hybrid (GSH) using the sustainable carbon source provided from the pyrolysis of low-quality dates; it was evaluated for use as a cost-effective reactive material in permeable reactive barrier (PRB) technology for remediating lead-Pb(II) and tetracycline-TC contaminated groundwater. The GSH was proven to be composed of graphene structures on the inorganic support material (sand). The experimental experiments of this study were done using batch and continuous mode. In the batch experiments, different factors were studied, and the sorption data were explained using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, whereas the sorption kinetic was ascertained through the use of the three kinetic models (pseudo-first, second-orders, and intraparticle diffusion). The results evidenced that the Langmuir and the pseudo-second-order models show a better fit for the experimental data, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 55.4 mg/g and 46.4 mg/g for Pb(II) and TC, respectively. The continuous mode was performed employing a series of column experiments. Besides, the COMSOL Multiphysics software was used to solve a numerical model that was advanced to simulate the equilibrium one-dimensional contaminant's conveyance. The results depicted that the GSH was an efficient material in PRB technology to remediate contaminated groundwater.