Boron Adsorption Research Articles

Boron Removal in Aqueous Solutions Using Adsorption with Sugarcane Bagasse Biochar and Ammonia Nanobubbles.

Boron is a naturally occurring trace chemical element. High concentrations of boron in nature can adversely affect biological systems and cause severe pollution to the ecological environment. We examined a method to effectively remove boron ions from water systems using sugarcane bagasse biochar from agricultural waste with NH3 nanobubbles (10% NH3 and 90% N2). We studied the effects of the boron solution concentration, pH, and adsorption time on the adsorption of boron by the modified biochar. At the same time, the possibility of using magnesium chloride and NH3 nanobubbles to enhance the adsorption capacity of the biochar was explored. The carbonization temperature of sugarcane bagasse was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. It was characterized using XRD, SEM, and BET analysis. The boron adsorption results showed that, under alkaline conditions above pH 9, the adsorption capacity of the positively charged modified biochar was improved under the double-layer effect of magnesium ions and NH3 nanobubbles, because the boron existed in the form of negatively charged borate B(OH)4- anion groups. Moreover, cations on the NH3 nanobubble could adsorb the boron. When the NH3 nanobubbles with boron and the modified biochar with boron could coagulate each other, the boron was removed to a significant extent. Extended DLVO theory was adopted to model the interaction between the NH3 nanobubble and modified biochar. The boron adsorption capacity was 36 mg/g at room temperature according to a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorbed boron was investigated using FT-IR and XPS analysis. The ammonia could be removed using zeolite molecular sieves and heating. Boron in an aqueous solution can be removed via adsorption with modified biochar with NH3 nanobubbles and MgCl2 addition.

Facile Synthesis of Core-Shell Magnetic Iron Oxide@SiO2-NH2 Nanoparticles and Their Application in Rapid Boron Removal from Aqueous Solutions

In this study, amino-functionalized magnetic particles (iron oxide@SiO2-NH2) with core-shell structures were synthesized and evaluated for rapid boron removal from aqueous solutions. The results showed that the specific surface area of the iron oxide@SiO2-NH2 (131.24 m2⋅g−1) increased greatly compared to pure iron oxide (30.98 m2⋅g−1). The adsorption equilibrium was less than 2 h, with an adsorption capacity of 29.76 mg⋅g−1 at pH = 6 at 15 °C. The quasi-second-order kinetic model described the boron adsorption process well, and both the Langmuir and Freundlich models were suitable for characterizing the adsorption isotherms. The zeta potential and XPS analysis before and after adsorption revealed that the main adsorption mechanism was the hydrogen bonding formation between the terminal -NH2 groups of the adsorbent and the boric acid. In addition, the adsorbent still maintained a high adsorption performance after five adsorption–desorption cycles, which illustrated that the iron oxide@SiO2-NH2 may be a potential adsorbent for environmental boron removal treatment.

Adsorption pathways of boron on clay and their implications for boron cycling on land and in the ocean

Reversible adsorption and isotope fractionation of boron on the surface of clay minerals is a key process that impacts boron isotope cycling in porewater, rivers and the ocean. However, the differences in boron isotope fractionation factors between various clay minerals and their dependence on fluid chemistry are not well known. We performed two sets of experiments, using solutions of pure water with added boron and seawater, to explore the isotope behavior during adsorption of boron onto kaolinite, smectite and illite. We found that the amount of sorbed boron increases with ionic strength of solutions and is proportional to the cation exchange capacity of a given clay mineral. Maximum adsorption is observed in alkaline seawater, which we attribute to the efficient fixation of magnesium-borate ion pairs onto negatively charged surface sites. Isotopic fractionation is modestly different between clays and demonstrates that clay surfaces preferentially sorb borate, even when the concentration of borate in solution is low. In both pure water and seawater, adsorbed complexes retain the isotopic composition of their dissolved precursors (borate or boric acid) with minimal isotopic fractionation. In other words, isotopic composition of adsorbed boron is set by the ability of clays to adsorb boron from an already fractionated boron pool rather than specific fractionation associated with the complexation reaction. Our experimental results allow us to provide revised constraints on the adsorbed boron being transported in terrestrial fluids and the ocean.

Boron adsorption from aqueous solutions through column study: desorption mechanisms, regeneration techniques, and kinetic insights

Recovering boron from aqueous solutions presents a significant opportunity for enhancing sustainable resource management and reducing costs within the oil and gas industry. This research focuses on evaluating newly synthesized adsorbents. Specifically, it investigates the boron adsorption and desorption in fixed bed columns of 25 cm in length and 2.5 cm in diameter, utilizing bed depths at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 cm. Four different flow rates (2, 4, 6, and 8 mL/min) were used, all maintaining constant concentrations of 85 mg/L, which were determined as optimal through prior batch studies. In boron breakthrough, the maximum and minimum points ranged from (60,12) minutes to (280,100) minutes, respectively, across different experimental conditions. The maximum uptake (qe) reaches 22.86 mg/g, and the minimum uptake was 5.85 mg/g with bed heights of 2.5 cm and 10 cm, respectively. The kinetic analysis revealed that the Thomas model provided a strong fit for boron extraction, having R2 ratings between 0.9 and 0.95. The efficiency of boron desorption reached 75 %. Notably, boron extraction using Derived Boron Adsorbent)DBA( 160 mg under conditions of a 10 cm bed depth, 48 cm3 pore volume, and a flow rate of 6 mL/min. The research conclusions show how well DBA works to adsorb boron from aqueous solutions and show significant insights into the adsorption and desorption process. Therefore, DBA was selected as the preferred method for boron adsorption because of its exceptional ability to absorb boron efficiently and its high sorption capacity.

Boron adsorption studies of poly(styrene-glycidyl methacrylate) latex: effect of modification agents

Poly(styrene-glycidyl methacrylate) (PSGMA) latex was synthesized by emulsion polymerization method. PSGMA latex was modified with N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG), 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane (BAPE), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (HEA), and N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine (NMEA). The presence of N amount varying between 2.1 and 4.4% in the results of elemental analysis showed that the modification was successful. Boron adsorption studies were carried out using these modified latexes. The study was carried out using the curcumin method by UV–vis spectrophotometry. For the most effective adsorption process, at pH value of 9, the boron concentration was 10 ppm and the contact time was 60 min. It was found that latex modified with NMDG had a higher adsorption capacity (0.195 mmol/g) than other modified latexes. Particle sizes were determined by dynamic light scattering spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The particle diameter of PSGMA latex was found to be approximately 140 nm in SEM analysis and the particles were almost monodisperse. After PSGMA latex was modified with NMDG, BAPE, HEA, and NMEA agents and boron adsorption was performed, it was observed that the particle diameters increased to approximately 170, 270, 220, and 260 nm, respectively. An elemental analyzer was used to determine the %N of the structures. The %B2O3 of the structures was determined with a thermogravimetric analyzer. While thermal analysis studies showed that organic components were completely removed from the structure at 700 °C, residues ranging from 4.8 to 10.4% (%B2O3) were found in boron adsorption polymers. The %B amounts were determined with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy device. It was observed that the amount of adsorbed boron varied between 0.42 and 0.95%, and the highest amount of %B belonged to latex modified with NMDG due to its very simple structure and the location of the –OH groups.Graphical

Preparation and Performance Study of Boron Adsorbent from Plasma-Grafted Polypropylene Melt-Blown Fibers.

In this study, the plasma graft polymerization technique was used to graft glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto polypropylene (PP) melt-blown fibers, which were subsequently aminated with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) by a ring-opening reaction, resulting in the formation of a boron adsorbent denoted as PP-g-GMA-NMDG. The optimal conditions for GMA concentration, grafting time, grafting temperature, and the quantity of NMDG were determined using both single factor testing and orthogonal testing. These experiments determined the optimal process conditions to achieve a high boron adsorption capacity of PP-g-GMA-NMDG. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectrum analysis (EDS), and water contact angle measurements were performed to characterize the prepared adsorbent. Boron adsorption experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of pH, time, temperature, and boron concentration on the boron adsorption capacity of PP-g-GMA-NMDG. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics of PP-g-GMA-NMDG for boron were also studied. The results demonstrated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and a Langmuir isothermal model. At a pH of 6, the maximum saturation adsorption capacity of PP-g-GMA-NMDG for boron was 18.03 ± 1 mg/g. In addition, PP-g-GMA-NMDG also showed excellent selectivity for the adsorption of boron in the presence of other cations, such as Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, PP-g-GMA-NMDG, and exhibited excellent selectivity towards boron adsorption. These results indicated that the technique of preparing PP-g-GMA-NMDG is both viable and environmentally benign. The PP-g-GMA-NMDG that was made has better qualities than other similar adsorbents. It has a high adsorption capacity, great selectivity, reliable repeatability, and easy recovery. These advantages indicated that the adsorbents have significant potential for widespread application in the separation of boron in water.

Evaluation of Kinetic and Isotherm Models for Adsorption of Boron Under Different Soil Orders in Oil Palm Plantations of India

ABSTRACT Adsorption isotherm and kinetic models are essential in predicting the adsorption mechanisms, which helps in boron (B) recommendation at appropriate doses. This study is formulated with the objective of assessing different kinetic and adsorption models for the adsorption of B in different soil orders (Entisol, Alfisol, Inceptisol and Vertisol) in Oil Palm plantations in India. The B adsorption in soils followed the order: Vertisol > Alfisol > Inceptisol > Entisol. The results revealed that, the Langmuir adsorption model fitted well for alfisol (part1 R2 = 0.9912 & part2 R2 = 0.9678), entisol (R2 = 0.9862) and inceptisol (R2 = 0.9924), while the Freundlich model fitted well for vertisol (R2 = 0.9943). The soils under entisol and inceptisol showed linear isotherms whereas, the vertisol and alfisol had curvilinear isotherms and the split Langmuir isotherm was worked out. High bonding energy at the lower part of split isotherm represented stronger retention of B at lower B concentrations. The B equilibrium was attained in 24 h in alfisol and inceptisol, and 12 h in entisol, whereas in vertisol, the equilibrium was not completed until 72 h. From the correlation coefficients obtained from all models, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model explained the B sorption in a better way followed by elovich and power function kinetic models in different soil types. Desorption of B is higher in entisol in most of the added B concentrations. The study suggests a higher rate of B fertilizer application than the recommended in soils having high B adsorption capacity for optimum crop growth and yield.

Preparation and Adsorption Performance of Boron Adsorbents Derived from Modified Waste Feathers.

This research focuses on modifying discarded feathers by grafting glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto their surface through thiolation, followed by an epoxy ring-opening reaction with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) to synthesize feather-based boron adsorbents. Optimization of the adsorbent preparation conditions was achieved through single-factor experiments, varying temperature, time, GMA concentration, and initiator dosage. The synthesized adsorbent (F-g-GMA-NMDG) underwent characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The adsorption behavior of the adsorbent was studied, and its boron adsorption capacity at different temperatures was determined through static adsorption kinetic curves. Analysis of adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics was conducted. Results indicate that the boron adsorption process by F-g-GMA-NMDG follows a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption process is endothermic, with higher temperatures promoting adsorption efficiency. Gibbs free energy (ΔG) confirms the spontaneity of the adsorption process. Enhanced adsorption efficacy was observed under neutral and acidic pH conditions. After four cycles, the adsorbent maintained its adsorption efficiency, demonstrating its stability and potential for reuse. This study provides novel insights into both the treatment of discarded feathers and the development of boron adsorbents.

Effect of Variation of Adsorbent and pH Doses on Boron Adsorption Using DMAPAA-co-DMAPAAQ Hydrogel

Effect of Variation of Adsorbent and pH Doses on Boron Adsorption Using DMAPAA-co-DMAPAAQ Hydrogel

Effect of protonation and deprotonation on oxygen-containing groups functionalized graphene for boron adsorption removal

This study investigated the adsorption mechanisms of boron on protonated and deprotonated graphene with oxygen-containing functional groups. Six representative adsorption conformations of boron predominant species (B(OH)3 (B3) and B(OH)4− (B4)) on graphene were proposed. Protonation and deprotonation of graphene had significant effects on boron adsorption. Deprotonation of hydroxyl-modified (G20-OH) and carboxyl-modified graphene (G20-COOH) with 20 carbon rings decreased B3 and B4 adsorption. Protonation of G20-OH enhanced B3 adsorption. The adsorption interface, mainly around hydrogen atoms associated with protonated groups, exhibited a sharp gradient, due to the increased electron density from OH bond formation. B3 showed stronger electron sharing, emphasizing robust interactions. Hydrogen bonding dominated G20-OH2-B3, while G20-O-B4 exhibited more substantial hydrogen bond interactions. In summary, hydrogen bond strength was crucial in B3 adsorption, while electrostatic repulsion hindered B4 adsorption on deprotonated graphene. These findings highlight the importance of graphene protonated and deprotonated states in effectively removing various pKa contaminants.

Evaluation of the Effect of Polyethylenimine on Boron Adsorption by Soil Minerals.

The removal of hazardous ions from water is crucial for safeguarding both the environment and human health. Soil minerals, integral components of soil, play a vital role as adsorbents for various contaminants, including heavy metal ions, organic dyes, and detergents. This study investigates the interaction between boron ions and soil minerals (gibbsite, kaolinite, and montmorillonite) in the presence of polyethylenimine (PEI). The minerals underwent characterization based on specific surface area, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and the presence of functional groups. The influence of PEI addition on the stability of the soil mineral suspension was evaluated by turbidimetry. Mineral-boron and mineral-boron-PEI interactions were explored under varying conditions, including pH, initial boron concentration, and mineral quantity, with all adsorption experiments conducted over 24 hours. Using the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity of the studied minerals was determined for boron both without and in the presence of PEI. For gibbsite, kaolinite and montmorillonite, it was 30.63, 24.55 and 26.62 mg g-1, respectively, while in the presence of PEI, it increased to 33.11, 26.61 and 45.47 mg g-1, respectively. The addition of PEI enhanced boron adsorption from aqueous solutions, increasing the removal efficiency from 65 % to about 80 %.

Continuous recovery of lithium and boron from Jezechake Salt Lake brine using fixed-bed adsorbers

Jezechake Salt Lake brine in China is rich in lithium ions coexisting with relatively high concentrations of carbonate and borate anions. Both carbonate and borate anions have a pH-buffering ability to accept the exchanged H+ ions of lithium ion sieves, enhancing the adsorption process of Li+ ions. When Jezechake Salt Lake brine passes through a titanium-type ion-sieve-packed column, good lithium breakthrough occurs owing to the pH-buffering action in the brine, which is of great significance for effective lithium recovery from brines in industrial production. In addition, the boron content of Jezechake Salt Lake brine is high, and its recovery is valuable for industrial applications. Here, an N-methylglucamine resin-packed column was connected in series behind a titanium-type ion-sieve-packed column to obtain boron simultaneously with the aim of lowering the energy consumption and cost of lithium recovery. During the adsorption process, Jezechake Salt Lake brine was successively fed into the lithium and boron adsorption columns. The two packed columns were then desorbed independently through acidic solution washing to obtain the Li and B eluents. The breakthrough behavior and elution performance of Li and B in the packed columns were investigated experimentally, and the practicability and efficacy of the proposed process were assessed.

Removal of boron from wastewaters using valonia-tannin-based biosorbent produced via spray drying

The primary objective of this study is to assess the adsorption behavior of boron using a tannin-based biosorbent known as tannic acid resin, synthesized from Turkish acorns (valonia) through the spray-drying method. The resulting biosorbent, named Valex, underwent modification into a tannic acid resin-based structure, rendering it suitable for use as a biosorbent. Comprehensive characterization studies involving Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis were conducted on this biosorbent. The outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of tannic acid resin, a tannin-based biosorbent, in removing boron from aqueous solutions. Various parameters such as pH, initial boron concentration, and adsorbent dosage were investigated for their impact on boron removal. The study also delved into adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm models, and adsorption thermodynamics. Maximum boron removal, reaching 92.9%, was achieved using 1 g of tannic acid resin-based biosorbent with an initial boron concentration of 8 mg L−1 within 6 h at pH 3. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherm models were applied to experimental data, with the Temkin model demonstrating a good fit. Adsorption kinetics were explored using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, first-order, second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models, with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitting the data effectively. The negative values of Δ G° at all temperatures indicated the spontaneous nature of boron adsorption on the tannin resin, and the positive value of Δ H° suggested the endothermic nature of adsorption. This study shows the efficacy of Valex in boron adsorption and suggests its potential application as an effective method for boron removal. This study's findings on the impact of various parameters on boron removal provide insights for optimizing the boron adsorption process in practical applications.

Sustainable boron removal from aqueous solutions using pomegranate peel adsorbents: A comprehensive study on isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics

This study investigates the efficacy of pomegranate peel powders, specifically raw pomegranate peels (RPA), hydrochloric acid-modified (APA), and sodium hydroxide-modified (BPA) variants, as adsorbents for boron removal from aqueous solutions. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was employed to identify the functional groups involved in the adsorption process, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was utilized to examine the surface morphology of the adsorbents. Batch adsorption experiments optimized parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, initial boron concentration, contact time, and temperature. The optimal pH for adsorption was 6, with maximum efficiencies of 42%, 69.3%, and 67.26% for RPA, APA, and BPA, respectively. Adsorption capacity increased with higher doses of adsorbents and temperature. The Langmuir model describes the adsorption isotherm well, while the adsorption kinetics were adequately described by the sequential fitting of the Elovich and pseudo-first-order models. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔS°, ΔG°, ΔH°) were examined during boron adsorption. A positive entropy change (∆S) indicated increased disorder. All adsorbents (RPA, APA, BPA) favoured boron, with APA and BPA showing a stronger affinity than RPA. Adsorption was endothermic and non-spontaneous, necessitating external energy. The study underscores the economical and reliable nature of RPA, APA, and BPA as effective adsorbents for repetitive boron ion removal, emphasizing their potential for sustainable water treatment solutions.

Effective Removal of Boron from Aqueous Solutions by Inorganic Adsorbents: A Review.

Increasing levels of boron in water exceeding acceptable thresholds have triggered concerns regarding environmental pollution and adverse health effects. In response, significant efforts are being made to develop new adsorbents for the removal of boron from contaminated water. Among the various materials proposed, inorganic adsorbents have emerged as promising materials due to their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability. This review aims to comprehensively examine recent advances made in the development of inorganic adsorbents for the efficient removal of boron from water. Firstly, the adsorption performance of the most used adsorbents, such as magnesium, iron, aluminum, and individual and mixed oxides, are summarized. Subsequently, diverse functionalization methods aimed at enhancing boron adsorption capacity and selectivity are carefully analyzed. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives in this field are highlighted to guide the development of innovative high-performance adsorbents and adsorption systems, ultimately leading to a reduction in boron pollution.

Economical-effective purification of brackish water through an integrated capacitive desalination & boron adsorption system

The escalating scarcity of high-quality water for potable, industrial, and agricultural use necessitates innovative methods to augment freshwater supply from unconventional sources. This study primarily aims to lower boron (B) and chloride (Cl−) levels in brackish water to meet water quality standards of B < 0.5 mg/L and Cl− < 250 mg/L. To meet this goal, an innovative adsorbent, OQAS-AC@NGO, was used for boron removal. It combines organosilicon quaternary ammonium chloride (OQAS) modified activated carbon (AC) within a self-assembled nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO) structure. Before boron removal, a capacitive deionization (CDI) system was used, employing OQAS-AC as the anode and COOH-modified AC as the cathode for chloride ion electrosorption. Through this cooperation procedure, the treated water meets the required quality standards while significantly reducing chemical costs by approximately 13.5 times when compared to conventional ion exchange resin methods for adsorbent regeneration. Moreover, the OQAS-AC@NGO adsorbent sustains its efficiency through multiple cycles, outperforming non-assembled N-GO in terms of yield, performance, and water flux. This underscores the cost-effective adsorbent preparation and enhanced water productivity. Economic analysis endorses the integrated CDI & B adsorption approach, advancing both sustainable water treatment processes and practical industrial applications.

Investigation of B and CO adsorption on silicene nanoribbons for sensor applications

The contemporary advancement of science and technology is indispensable within the realm of nanotechnology. This study delves into the electromagnetic and optical properties of silicene nanoribbons (SiNRs) upon adsorption of boron (B) and carbon monoxide (CO) molecules. The SiNRs investigated in this research are one-dimensional materials, characterized by a free dimension along the 0z axis, a thickness of one silicon (Si) atom along the 0x axis, a thickness of six Si atoms along the 0 y axis, and two edges functionalized with hydrogen. The findings of this study reveal that the B adsorption configuration induces metallic properties, whereas the CO adsorption configuration imparts semiconductor characteristics, characterized by a narrow energy bandgap. A comprehensive analysis of electromagnetic properties, structural alterations, intricate multi-orbital hybridization processes, and charge density disparities has been systematically conducted. Notably, the optical properties of these adsorption systems demonstrate pronounced activity in the low-energy radiation spectrum, particularly in the ultraviolet region. Significantly, the real component of the dielectric function along the 0z axis exhibits negative values. Given that the 0z direction represents the material's free dimension, it proves exceptionally conducive to communication applications with minimal energy loss. Furthermore, absorption coefficient investigations reveal optical asymmetry in the low-energy region, rendering the material optically transparent to radiation with energies exceeding Ultraviolet-C (UVC). These research findings hold promising implications for the development of storage devices and sensing applications involving B and CO within the realm of nanotechnology.

A promising modified polyvinyl chloride for adsorption of boron: Preparation, adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies

AbstractA new promising N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine modified polyvinyl chloride via methyl glycinate linker (PVC‐MG‐NMDG) was designed to extract boron from tourmaline ore from the Sikait area in the South Eastern Desert of Egypt, which assays 10.43% B2O3. Specifications for PVC‐MG‐NMDG composite were executed successfully utilizing sundry approaches, such as FT‐IR, XPS, GC–MS, TGA, BET, EDX, 13C‐NMR, 1H‐NMR, ICP‐OES, and XRD, which assure an acceptable synthesis of PVC‐MG‐NMDG. Optimized factors like pH, agitation time, primary boron concentration, composite dose, co‐ions, eluting agents, and temperature have been improved. At ambient temperature, pH 9, 10 min of agitation, and 0.0138 mol/L boron ions (150 ppm), the PVC‐MG‐NMDG composite has a 25 mg/g maximal uptake. The extraction‐distribution isotherm modeling suggests that the Langmuir model, with a theoretical value of 25.38 mg/g, more closely matches the practical value of 25 mg/g than the Freundlich model. The adsorption kinetics of boron ions by PVC‐MG‐NMDG were predicted with high accuracy using a pseudo‐second order kinetic model, yielding a theoretical retention capacity of 27.93 mg/g. The extraction process was predicted, as shown by thermodynamic calculations, exothermic, spontaneous, and optimal extraction at low temperature; the thermodynamic factors controlling ΔS (−0.04 kJ/mol), ΔH (−13.74 kJ/mol), and ∆G values rise from −1.82 kJ/mol at 298 K to −0.19 kJ/mol at 338 K. Boron ions can be eluted from the overloaded composite by 0.5 M H2SO4 with a 95% efficiency rate. It was established that PVC‐MG‐NMDG composite reveals a worthy separation factor to most co‐ions and gives a good separation power. Boric acid with a boron content of 17.23% and purity of 98.56% can be obtained through alkali fusion with NaOH flux and subsequent adsorption using a PVC‐MG‐NMDG composite.Highlights A New modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC‐MG‐NMDG) was successfully prepared. The characteristics of new composite were verified via different techniques. The new composite reached its maximum boron absorption of 25 mg/g at 25°C. The extraction as an exothermic, spontaneous process at low temperature. The new composite has been applied to a real sample of Sikait tourmaline ore.

Boron contamination and related health risk assessment in the soils collected from olive groves in İzmir province, Türkiye

Although boron (B) is an essential element for plants, high levels are also toxic. In this respect, pollution of soils by B may pose a serious problem for ecosystem and human health. On the other hand, studies evaluating the ecological and human health risks that may arise due to B contamination in agricultural soils are limited. In this study, it was aimed to determine the B pollution degree of the soils taken from the olive groves of İzmir province, which is approximately 180 km away from the B deposits in the Bigadiç district. In addition, the factors affecting boron adsorption and availability were discussed and the ecological and health risks of boron were evaluated. For this, soil samples were collected at depths of 0–30 cm from 118 olive groves and their B, Al, Fe, pH and organic matter contents were determined. The mean B content (47.08 mg/kg) of the study area was comparable to world-soil average B concentration (42 mg/kg). Also, B had a “low potential ecological risk” in the study area according to the ecological risk index results. On the other hand, based on the results of contamination factor (Cf) and enrichment factor (EF), “moderate contamination” and “significant enrichment” were found in the study area for B. These findings indicated that the B content in the study area is mainly related to the soil parent material, but irrigation water also contributes slightly to B content. Correlation analysis results suggested that Al and Fe contents of the soils in the study area may have an effect on B adsorption. The results of health risk assessment indicated non-carcinogenic effects are not expected for adults and children exposed to soil B content by ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation.

Remediation of boron, lithium, and molybdenum by date pits modified with graphene oxide and cellulose nanocrystals: Mechanistic studies

This work aimed to modify date pits (DP), an agricultural waste product, with graphene oxide (GO) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to develop a novel, environmentally friendly adsorbent referred to as GO-CNC@DP. A comprehensive study of the physicochemical characteristics of the prepared adsorbent in addition to the batch adsorption investigation on multiple pollutants (boron, lithium, and molybdenum) was studied. The results concluded that the endothermicity of the process due to the positive value of enthalpy change ΔH° that favors low levels of disorder and is spontaneous in nature due to the negative ΔG° values. At pH 2, the maximum adsorption capacities ranged between 15.5 mg/g and 82 mg/g for the three studied pollutants. The increase in adsorption capacity can be attributed to the alteration of the initial temperature from 25 °C to 45 °C. This phenomenon can be elucidated by considering the interactions such as surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, and ion exchange that occur between the pollutant and the adsorbent's surface. The excellent adsorption of boron, lithium, and molybdenum can be attributed to the attachment of GO to CNC on DP, which not only added more adsorption sites but also partially inhibited the aggregation of CNC. Therefore, GO-CNC@DP exhibited great results in the remediation of boron, lithium, and molybdenum from water in comparison to DP.