Abstract

A new hybrid sorbent in the form of round beads containing modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) waste immobilized in pectin and crosslinked with calcium ions was prepared. A previously obtained and characterized powdered poly(methyl methacrylate)–based sorbent was used. Batch and column studies on the new material’s sorption-desorption properties were performed. Two kinetic models (pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order) and three isotherms (Langmuir, Langmuir bisite and Freundlich) were used to describe the results. Breakthrough and elution curves were also obtained. Nitric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid of various concentrations were used in the desorption studies. Higher sorption affinity of zinc(II) ions to hybrid sorbent than to pectin alone, reflected by higher values of the Langmuir and Freundlich model parameters, was observed. The maximum sorption capacities, calculated based on the best-fitted models, were 50.2 mg/g (Langmuir bisite) and 42.2 mg/g (Langmuir) for hybrid and only pectin beads, respectively. The stripping of Zn ions using 0.1 M solutions of mineral acids was similarly effective in the case of both sorbents. The mass balance calculated for the column studies showed about 100% recovery of zinc in a sorption-desorption cycle. By applying the hybrid sorbent under the studied conditions it is possible to purify Zn in water to the level permitted by law and concentrate Zn(II) ions by about 60 times.

Highlights

  • Zinc and its compounds are present in the waste waters originating from various branches of industry and agriculture

  • The mass balance calculated for the column studies showed about 100% recovery of zinc in a sorption-desorption cycle

  • (MPMMA) into a pectin matrix to obtain stable, round beads. Higher doses of this additive resulted in difficulties in instilling pectin-MPMMA mixture during sorbent preparation and obtaining beads which may be cracked when manipulated

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Summary

Introduction

Zinc and its compounds are present in the waste waters originating from various branches of industry and agriculture. Depending on the country or waste origin, limits for Zn in wastewater dumped into the environment are prescribed by law, ranging from 1.5 to 2.61 mg/L [4,5,6]. The zinc concentration in wastewaters varies [7,8,9,10,11,12] from about 6 mg/L (rinsing water of degreasing and metal plating) [12] to 500 mg/L (from the electroplating industry) [7], but generally is below 100 mg/L [8,9,10,11,12]. The proecological and economical approach is to Molecules 2017, 22, 2274; doi:10.3390/molecules22122274 www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

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