Formulating low cost modified bentonite with natural binders to remove pesticides in a pilot water filter system

Abstract

A low cost bentonite was modified with Fe3+ and hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) cations and subsequently optimized to be used in small-scale water filter systems. Two types of formulations were assessed: immobilization of modified clays on anthracite particles and their extrusion as pellets using the natural binders, colophony resin and carnauba and bee waxes. The innovation of this work was to assess which clay formulation showed better performance for the adsorption of the pesticides MCPA, tebuconazole and terbuthylazine in a pilot or pre-commercial water filter system. A commercial organoclay (Cloisite 10A®) and activated carbon were also assayed for comparison purposes. The characterization studies showed that the disintegration in water of the formulated clay adsorbents behaved better when formulated with carnauba wax as binder. The adsorption study was performed in a semi-pilot system by treating 40 L of contaminated water with pesticides in a closed circuit for 24 h at 0.8 bar where the formulated clays were placed in a fixed bed configuration with anthracite particles. Pesticide removal varied depending on the type of formulation, the highest removal efficiency (90–100 %) was reached for the immobilized HDTMA-clay on anthracite particles, which showed better pore distribution according to scanning electron microscopy. The values were similar to those rendered by the commercial Cloisite10A® and activated carbon. The outcomes from this work suggested the convenience of using the new formulated adsorbents based on low-cost raw materials in water purification systems, which may open economic possibilities and employment opportunities for rural areas.