Abstract
In this work, a sorbent was developed based on vermiculite intercalated with cetyltrimethylammonium ions to remove the hazardous hormone molecule ethinylestradiol (EE) from the aqueous medium was developed. Characterization by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, elemental and thermal analyses, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, N2 adsorption–desorption and fluorescence showed that vermiculite can be intercalated with 16–19 wt% of cetyltrimethylammonium ions leading to an increase in the d001 space from 1.15 nm for the pure vermiculite to 1.22–1.24 nm. Sorption experiments with ethinylestradiol taking into account, contact time, pH, initial concentration and amount of adsorbent showed high ethinylestradiol sorption capacities in the range 6.5–9.3 mgEEg−1. These materials containing the hormone can be regenerated by simple solvent extraction which allowed the recovery and reuse of the adsorbent for at least five times. The obtained results suggest that hydrophobic cavities formed by the C18 chains of the cetyltrimethylammonium molecules in the vermiculite interlayer space are responsible for the sorption of the ethinylestradiol molecules.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
