Comparative study of green formulated nano-adsorbent based biopolymers and carbon activated with metal nanoparticles

Abstract

Pesticide residue in agricultural wastewater is a concerning issue due to its potential impact on the environment and human health. While they can be effective in enhancing crop yields and quality, their improper use and disposal can lead to the contamination of water sources. Methomyl is a carbamate insecticide that has been conventionally used in agriculture to control a wide range of insect pests. In this study, adsorbents were formulated based on the combination of cellulose triacetate, activated carbon, ethylcellulose and different nanometals (AgNPs, ZnONPs, CuONPs and Al2O3NPs) to compare the efficiency of nanoparticles in such pesticide residue. The formulated adsorbents were characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM and EDX before and after adsorption to evaluate the mechanism of adsorption. The presence of different functional groups on the prepared bio-adsorbents showed a great opportunity to capture the methomyl pesticide from wastewater. The maximum adsorption capacities were 85, 143, 175, 199 and 250 mg/g for EC/CTA/AC, EC/CTA/AC/Ag, EC/CTA/AC/Zn, EC/CTA/AC/Cu, and EC/CTA/AC/Al, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of prepared adsorbents was carried out. It showed a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity as well as good antifungal properties. The presence of Al2O3NPs was detected as a broad spectrum for both bacteria and fungi.