Abstract
In this study, activated carbon (AC) coated with a green silicone surfactant (SS) was further incorporated with magnetite particles (Fe3O4) via a co-precipitation method to enhance the separation of the newly designed magnetic AC–SS (Fe3O4@AC–SS) in a magnetic field. The properties of this magnetic adsorbent were characterized via Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The adsorption characteristics of the Fe3O4@AC–SS adsorbent were examined using 2,4-nitrophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol as adsorbates. Experiments were performed to investigate the adsorption kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics as well as the effects of adsorption dosage and solution pH on the removal of both analytes. The kinetic data were well-fitted by the pseudo-second order model and the Freundlich model best described the adsorption isotherm for both analytes. The maximum adsorption capabilities for 2,4-dinitrophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol reached 43 and 98 mg g−1, respectively. The analysis was further validated using real industrial effluent, and a removal efficiency of 62.2–98.1% and relative standard deviation value less than 7.2% were attained for both analytes. Thus, the multifunctional adsorbent has potential to function as an adsorbent for the fast, convenient, economical and highly efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater, which is significant for the purification of natural water and industrial effluent.
Highlights
Phenolic compounds and their derivatives have become emerging concerns as they pose a high-level threat to human health and the ecosystem due to their widespread use in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, pesticide, plastic and paper industries.[1]
Stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations have listed phenolic compounds as primary pollutants[7] and set the limit of phenolic compounds content in wastewater at 1 mg LÀ1.8 The adverse effects of these compounds have been highlighted by the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE) by stipulating that the content level of phenolic compounds in wastewater should not to exceed 0.001 mg LÀ1.9 In this study, due to the high level of persistence and environmental waste discharge, we examine 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP) phenolic compounds.[6]
This study aimed to enhance the capacity of commercial AC in adsorbing 2,4-DNP and 2,4-DCP from wastewater using magnetic activated carbon impregnated with a silicone surfactant (Fe3O4@AC–SS), which is absorbent and cost effective
Summary
Phenolic compounds and their derivatives have become emerging concerns as they pose a high-level threat to human health and the ecosystem due to their widespread use in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, pesticide, plastic and paper industries.[1] They contain a hydroxyl group bonded directly to a benzene ring, and these phenolic compounds possess a stable conjugated system that leads to biological accumulation and poor biodegradation.[2] Phenolic compounds are scienti cally proven to induce carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity and physiological effects.[3] Even minor. The removal processes must be simple, effective and inexpensive. Several methods have been applied to remove phenolic compounds in wastewaters.
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