Optimization of dosing and mixing time through fabrication of high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerization based adsorbents for use in purification of oil in water contaminated wastewater

Abstract

AbstractDisposal of oil‐contaminated wastewater is associated with serious environmental problems since it is drained in seawater or into the ground. These routes of disposal can dangerously affect the lives of both humans and aqua creatures. Therefore, this research study introduces the recovery of petroleum wastewater through the usage of polystyrene‐based adsorbents. High internal phase emulsion polymerization was the used methodology to provide the introduced structures where new approaches have been presented. Unlike the common, the influence of the fabrication parameters of polymeric adsorbents on the oil removal has been investigated. Particularly, different dosing and mixing times were utilized during the preparation stage. Their effect on the polymers surface properties and molecular weights were traced. The obtained adsorbents were subjected to the oil removal stage where optimization of synthesis conditions was taken place. Nearly 92% of the oil content (80 ppm) in the wastewater was removed using the optimized adsorbent. This adsorbent showed surface area of 28.8 m2/g and molecular weight equal 279,970 g/mol. It was acquired by applying 20 min as a dosing time and reaction time of 120 min.