Abstract
In this study, the use of Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and High Density Polystyrene (HDPS) was demonstrated as an alternative for the adsorption of Malathion. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were used to compare three different adsorbent materials: PVC, HDPS, and activated carbon. The adsorption capacity of PVC was three times higher than activated carbon, and a theoretical value of 96.15 mg of Malathion could be adsorbed when using only 1 g of PVC. A pseudo first-order rate constant of 1.98 (1/h) was achieved according to Lagergren kinetic model. The adsorption rate and capacity values obtained in the present study are very promising since with very little adsorbent material it is possible to obtain high removal efficiencies. Phosphorous and sulfur elements were identified through Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and evidenced the malathion adsorption on PVC. The characteristic spectrum of malathion was identified by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis. The Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG/DTA) suggested that the adsorption of malathion on the surface of the polymers was mainly determined by hydrogen bonds.
Highlights
In recent years, the adsorption process has acquired great technological relevance due to its implementation for the removal of pollutants in the environment
The results showed that the amount of adsorbent material is critical in the adsorption process: the greater the amount of adsorbent material is used, the greater the removal efficiency is observed
This study showed the feasibility of use of two polymers (PVC and High Density Polystyrene (HDPS)) for the removal of malathion in synthetic wastewater through a physical process of adsorption
Summary
The adsorption process has acquired great technological relevance due to its implementation for the removal of pollutants in the environment. The adsorption process has been widely used for the removal of a great diversity of contaminants in water, such as drugs, pesticides, heavy metals, dyes, among others [5,6,7,8,9,10]. Ji et al [11] report the use of nonporous graphite, single walled carbon nanotubes and commercial microporous activated carbon for the removal of three antibiotics: sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and tylosin. Used activated carbon derived from hazelnut shells for the adsorption of Cu (II) ions present in aqueous solution. Benjwal et al [13] carried out the adsorption of methylene blue on feather fiber-derived carbon fibers
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