Thermodynamic analysis of sorption isotherms of chromium(VI) anionic species on reed biomass

A new sorbent material for removing Cr(VI) anionic species from aqueous solutions has been investigated. Adsorption equilibrium and thermodynamics of Cr(VI) anionic species onto reed biomass were studied at different initial concentrations, sorbent concentrations, pH levels, temperatures, and ionic strength. Equilibrium isotherm was analyzed by Langmuir model. The experimental sorption data fit the model very well. The maximum sorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto reed biomass was found to be 33 mg · g^?1. It was noted that the Cr(VI) adsorption by reed biomass decreased with increase in pH. An increase in temperature resulted in a higher Cr(VI) loading per unit weight of the adsorbent. Removal of Cr(VI) by reed biomass seems to be mainly by chemisorption. The change in entropy (ΔS^°) and heat of adsorption (ΔH^°) for Cr(VI) adsorption on reed biomass were estimated as 2205 kJ · kg^?1 · K^?1 and 822 kJ · kg^?1, respectively. The values of isosteric heat of adsorption varied with the surface loading of Cr(VI).     

Nano TiO2-based preconcentration for the speciation analysis of inorganic selenium by using ion chromatography with conductivity detection

A simple, sensitive, and cost-effective analytical method was developed for the speciation analysis of inorganic selenium by combining a nano-TiO₂ preconcentration with an ion chromatography-conductivity detection (IC-CD) system. The experimental conditions for the simultaneous adsorption and desorption of Se(IV) and Se(VI) were carefully investigated. Under the established optimum condition, the Se(IV) and Se(VI) ions could been simultaneously adsorbed onto the nano-TiO₂ surface at pH 4.0, and then effectively desorbed by 0.1 M sodium hydroxide eluent. The adsorption process was fast and reached adsorption equilibrium within 10 min. The nano-TiO₂ also exhibited high adsorption capacity with 11.3 mg g^? 1 for Se(IV) and 8.34 mg g^? 1 for Se(VI). The enrichment factors for Se(IV) and Se(VI) were calculated to be 39 and 30, respectively, with sample volume of 50 mL. The detection limits (3σ) were 0.8 μg L^? 1 for Se(IV) and 0.4 μg L^? 1 for Se(VI), which were sensitive enough for the routine analysis of water and drink samples. The relative standard deviation was calculated to be < 4% (n = 6) for detection of 30 μg L^? 1 Se(IV) and 30 μg L^? 1 Se(VI). The results of the present work confirmed that our developed nano-TiO₂-IC-CD method could be applied for the detection of inorganic selenium species in tap water and drink samples with good recoveries in the range of 82%–108%.     

Determination of Cr(VI) in plants by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after leaching with sodium carbonate

The determination of chromium (VI) compounds in plants by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS) is proposed based on their leaching with 0.1 M Na₂CO₃. Due to the presence of relatively high amounts of Na₂CO₃ in the resulting samples, the temperature and time of pyrolysis and atomization stages must be optimized to minimize the influence of the matrix. A limit of detection (LOD) for determination of Cr(VI) in plants by ET AAS was found to be 0.024 μg g⁻¹.The concentration of Cr(VI) and total chromium in plants collected in different geographical areas (South Africa and Russia), grown on soils high in chromium was determined. The concentration of Cr(VI) and total Cr in stems and leaves of plants was in the range of 0.04–0.7 μg g⁻¹ and 0.5–10 μg g⁻¹, respectively. The limited uptake of Cr(III) by plants, in comparison to its concentration in soil, can be explained by the very low solubility of natural Cr(III) compounds.Results for the determination of Cr(VI) were confirmed by the analysis of BCR CRM 545 (Cr(VI) in welding dust) with good agreement between certified (39.5 ± 1.3 μg mg⁻¹) and found (38.8 ± 1.2 μg mg⁻¹) values. The total concentration of Cr in plants has also been determined by ET AAS after dry ashing of samples at 650 °C. Results were confirmed by the analysis of BCR CRM 281 (Trace elements in Rye Grass) with good agreement between the found (2.12 ± 0.16 μg g⁻¹) and certified value (2.14 ± 0.12 μg g⁻¹).     

Bengal gram seed husk as an adsorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions – Column studies

A continuous fixed bed (column) study was carried out by using seed husk of Bengal gram (Cicer arietinum) (SHBG) as a biosorbent for the removal of direct dye, Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions. The effects of important factors, such as the value of initial pH, the flow rate, the influent concentration of CR, bed depth, particle size of SHBG, foreign ions and regeneration of CR were studied. The effect of similar type of direct dyes like direct turquoise blue 86 (DTB) and direct black 38 (DB) on the adsorption of CR in column containing SHBG is also studied by keeping other parameters constant. The studies confirmed that the breakthrough curves were dependent on flow rate, initial dye concentration, size of SHBG, initial pH of solution of CR and bed depth. The bed depth service time analysis (BDST) model was applied at different bed depths to predict the breakthrough curves. The model is found suitable for describing the biosorption process of the dynamic behaviour of the SHBG column and the data were in good agreement with BDST model. When the flow rate was 0.67 mL/min and the influent concentration of CR was mg L⁻¹, the column capacity was 6.572 mg g⁻¹. The removal capacity of SHBG was more in case of CR (6.572 mg g⁻¹) compared to other similar direct dyes of DTB (1.984 mg g⁻¹) and DB (1.612 mg g⁻¹). The removal of CR was enhanced in the presence of foreign ion potassium (8.308 mg g⁻¹) and decreased in the presence of calcium (5.58 mg g⁻¹). 120 ml of acetone is required for the completion of regeneration of the column and the total amount of CR recovered in this case. All the results suggested SHBG as a potential adsorbent for removal of CR from aqueous solution so that the rate of bio-sorption process is rapid.     

The removal of uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions onto natural sepiolite

The adsorption of uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions onto natural sepiolite has been studied using a batch adsorber. The parameters that affect the uranium (VI) sorption, such as contact time, solution pH, initial uranium(VI) concentration, and temperature, have been investigated and optimized conditions determined. Equilibrium isotherm studies were used to evaluate the maximum sorption capacity of sepiolite and experimental results showed this to be 34.61 mg · g^?1. The experimental results were correlated reasonably well by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the isotherm parameters (Q_o and b) were calculated. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔH° = ?126.64 kJ · mol^?1, ΔS° = ?353.84 J · mol^?1 · K^?1, ΔG° = ?21.14 kJ · mol^?1) showed the exothermic heat of adsorption and the feasibility of the process. The results suggested that sepiolite was suitable as sorbent material for recovery and adsorption of uranium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from water by cork waste

The biosorption by cork powder is considered as a promising method for heavy metal removal from industrial waste waters such as chromium tanning factories. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency extent of this method using cork powder as a biosorbent for Cr(VI). The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis permits to distinguish the type of functional groups likely to participate in metal binding. A linear form of BET isotherms for all the three used temperatures (i.e., 25, 35 and 45 °C) and a pseudo-second-order equation of adsorption kinetics are obtained. Other experimental results highlight the meaningful influence of parameters such as contact time, pH, concentration of Cr(VI) and the adsorbent particle size on Cr(VI) adsorption. 97% of Cr(VI) has been removed under definite conditions particularly a particle size of diameter d < 0.08 mm and pH of 2–3 values.     

Highly selective solid-phase extraction of trace Pd(II) by murexide functionalized halloysite nanotubes

The originality on the high efficiency of murexide modified halloysite nanotubes as a new adsorbent of solid phase extraction has been reported to preconcentrate and separate Pd(II) in solution samples. The new adsorbent was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. Effective preconcentration conditions of analyte were examined using column procedures prior to detection by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The effects of pH, the amount of adsorbent, the sample flow rate and volume, the elution condition and the interfering ions were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, Pd(II) could be retained on the column at pH 1.0 and quantitatively eluted by 2.5 mL of 0.01 mol L^?1 HCl–3% thiourea solution at a flow rate of 2.0 mL min^?1. The analysis time was 5 min. An enrichment factor of 120 was accomplished. Common interfering ions did not interfere in both separation and determination. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 42.86 mg g^?1 for Pd(II).The detection limit (3σ) of the method was 0.29 ng mL^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.1% (n = 11). The method was validated using certified reference material, and has been applied for the determination of trace Pd(II) in actual samples with satisfactory results.     

Preparation of quaternized dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate grafted nonwoven fabric for the removal of phosphate

Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (DMAEMA) grafted polyethylene/polypropylene (PE/PP) nonwoven fabric was prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization. Grafting conditions were optimized and about 150% DMAEMA grafted samples were used for further experiments. DMAEMA graft chains were later quaternized with dimethyl sulphate for the removal of phosphate ions. Adsorption experiments were conducted with quaternized DMAEMA grafted fabric for phosphate removal at low (0.5–25 ppm) and high phosphate concentrations (50–1000 ppm). Adsorbed phosphate amounts at pH 7 were found to be 63 mg phosphate/g polymer and 512 mg phosphate/g polymer for low (25 ppm) and high phosphate concentrations (1000 ppm) respectively showing the efficiency of the adsorbent material in removing phosphate. The pH effect on phosphate adsorption showed that the quaternized DMAEMA grafted nonwoven fabric can adsorb phosphate over a wide pH range (5.00–9.00) indicating that adsorbent material can effectively remove different forms of phosphate ions, namely H₂PO₄^?, HPO₄^2? and PO₄^3? in aqueous solution at this pH range where the species exist. Competitive adsorption experiments were also carried out with two concentration levels at pH 7 to investigate the effect of competing ions. Phosphate adsorption on quaternized DMAEMA grafted nonwoven fabric was found to be higher than the other competing ions at two concentration levels. At high concentration level, the adsorption order was phosphate>nitrite>bromide>sulphate>nitrate whereas at low concentration level, the order was phosphate?sulphate>bromide>nitrite>nitrate.     

Structural characterization of dodecyltrimethylammonium (DTMA) bromide modified sepiolite and its adsorption isotherm studies

In this study, dodecyltrimethylammonium (DTMA) bromide was used to modify natural sepiolite via an ion exchange reaction to form DTMA-sepiolite. Sepiolite and DTMA-sepiolite were then characterized by using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), elemental analysis, XRD, FT-IR, thermogravimetric (TG) and zeta potential analysis techniques. The BET surface area of sepiolite significantly decreased from 152.14 m² g^–1 to 88.63 m² g^–1, after the modification, due to the coverage of the pores of sepiolite. DTMA was located onto sepiolite according to the differential thermogravimetric (dTG) peaks of DTMA-sepiolite. XRD results confirmed the interaction between DTMA⁺ cations and sepiolite. FT-IR spectra indicated the existence of DTMA functional groups on sepiolite surface. After the characterization was accomplished, adsorption isotherm studies of naphthalene, which is the first member of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were carried out. The maximum adsorption capacity of DTMA-sepiolite for naphthalene was determined from Langmuir isotherm equation at pH 6 and 20 °C as 1.88 × 10^–4 mol g^?1 or 24.09 mg g^?1.     

Preparation of mesoporous alumina electro-generated by electrocoagulation in NaCl electrolyte and application in fluoride removal with consistent regenerations

The fluoride adsorption by Electro-Generated Adsorbents (EGA) was briefly and recently shown. In this paper, the preparation of a particular EGA and its characteristics are presented. For the first time, the fluoride adsorption of one EGA was deeply investigated showing that the regeneration of this material leads to an efficient process which was better than an electrocoagulation one. The investigated adsorbent called EGA_NaCl was prepared by electrolysis in NaCl electrolyte with aluminum electrodes and was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), FTIR and BET studies. The physical analyses showed that EGA_NaCl was a mesoporous mixture of AlOOH and three Al(OH)₃ which contain the chlorine element and registered the surface area of 114.31 m² g⁻¹. The presence of chlorine explains the pH increase observed during the electrolysis. The fluoride adsorption as a function of pH, initial fluoride concentration, EGA_NaCl dose, temperature, co-ions and cycles of regeneration was studied using batch methods. Among the kinetic models, the pseudo – second – order model was superior to others and among the adsorption isotherms, Langmuir model fits well as compared to that of Freundlich model based on the regression coefficient values. Determination of thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH and ΔG respectively revealed the nature of endothermic and temperature – driven nature of the fluoride sorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of EGA_NaCl was found to be 16.33 mg g⁻¹ at 27 °C and a maximum fluoride removal occurred at pH 6.55. The spent adsorbent showed the defluoridation efficiency of 95.53% up to fifth regeneration with diluted NaOH. Factorial design matrix and analysis of variance using JMP model have also been extensively discussed in this paper.     

Enhancement of methylene blue removal by anodic oxidation using BDD electrode combined with adsorption onto sawdust

Studies on the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions by anodic oxidation (AO) using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode, adsorption onto sawdust, and combined treatment have been undertaken. The results proved that AO presents a high efficiency in removing both color and COD in a wide pH interval. The total mineralization of the dye solution was performed in 6 h, which corresponds to relatively high-energy consumption. On the other hand, high sawdust dosage (12 g·L⁻¹) was needed to ensure 98% of color and 81% of COD removal. Combining AO and adsorption onto sawdust constitute a very interesting technology. For instance, AO for 1 h followed by sorption permits a reduction in energy consumption by 80 W·h·g_COD⁻¹, a reduction of more than 24 times the adsorbent dose and an enhancement of color and COD removal, indicating that sawdust is efficient in removing not only the MB initial molecules but also the electrogenerated by-products.     

Chemical modification of expanded glass aggregate with N-Benzoyl-N′-(4-methylphenyl) thiourea (TTU) for the adsorptive removal of Cr(III) ion

In this study, the silylant agent 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTES) was anchored on expanded glass aggregate (GA) to prepare a new adsorbent. N-Benzoyl-N′-(4-methylphenyl) thiourea (TTU) bonded to amino-functionalized GA adsorbent with reflux. Developed adsorbent (GA-APTES-TTU) was characterized using thermal analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TGA and SEM studies indicated that modification of the glass aggregate (GA) surfaces was successfully performed. The adsorption studies exhibited that the GA-APTES-TTU could be efficiently used for the removal of Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage, ion concentration, time, and temperature were investigated as adsorption parameters. The maximum removal of Cr(III) was observed at pH 4. The adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 120 min and adsorption of Cr(III) followed the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(III) was 0.4305 mmol/g with GA-APTES-TTU. Thermodynamic parameters such as the standard free energy (ΔG^o), enthalpy change (ΔH°) and entropy change (ΔS°) were calculated in order to explain the mechanism of adsorption process. The thermodynamic data showed that Cr(III) adsorption was spontaneous, endothermic, and a physisorption reaction. In addition, the adsorption kinetic data fitted to the pseudo-second order model.     

Toward use of a nano layered double hydroxide/ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in speciation analysis: One-step dispersive solid-phase extraction of chromium species in human biological samples

Chromium is a controversial element with an important essentiality and toxicity. Depending on its different species, its speciation analysis in bio-origin matrices is of utmost importance. Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) and layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles, with the purpose of combining their outstanding performances, were served to speciate chromium ions in human biological samples. The as-obtained sorbent (nano LDH-APDC) - after characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) - was used as a novel pH-sensitive adsorbent in an integrated one-step dispersive solid-phase extraction (I-OS-DSPE), which combines the benefits of the air-assisted microextraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction methods. An interesting feature of the nano LDH-APDC sorbent is that it is dissolved in an aqueous solution when the pH of the solution is lower than 4. Thus the analyte elution step, as required in most of the sorbent-based extraction methods, was obviated by dissolving the sorbent in an acidic solution after extraction and separation from the sample solution. The Cr(VI) ions were first extracted, while the Cr(III) ions remained in the aqueous solution. The extract was then directly injected into a flame atomic absorption spectrometer with a micro-sampling introduction system, and the concentration of the Cr(III) ions was calculated by its subtraction from the total chromium ions present. Several variables including the pH (5), type and amount of the nanosorbent used (30 mg of nano (Zn-Al) LDH-APDC), number of extraction cycles (15 times), and elution conditions (200 µL of 6.0 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃) were investigated to achieve the maximum extraction efficiency. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the limit of detection, linear range, consumptive index, and enrichment factor for the Cr(VI) ions were 2.4 μg L⁻¹, 8.0–640 μg L⁻¹, 0.24, and 42.5 ± 1, respectively. These findings suggested that nano (Zn-Al) LDH-APDC could be regarded as a promising adsorbent for an efficient speciation of the chromium species in the human hair, nail, saliva, plasma, and urine samples.     

Sulfathiazole-based novel UV-cured hydrogel sorbents for mercury removal from aqueous solutions

Sulfathiazole-based novel hydrogel sorbents P(Sulti/hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)/acrylic acid (AAc)) were prepared by UV irradiation and used for the removal of mercury(II) ion from aqueous media. Hydrogels have been characterized by SEM and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The influence of the uptake conditions was investigated; maximum Hg(II) ion adsorption capacity obtained was 13.46±1.15 mg g⁻¹ at pH 5.0. The hydrogels were tested several times without loss of adsorption capacity. The selectivity of the hydrogel towards to Hg(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) ions tested was Hg>Cd>Zn.     

Preparation of metal adsorbent from poly(methyl acrylate)-grafted-cassava starch via gamma irradiation

Metal adsorbent containing hydroxamic acid groups was successfully synthesized by radiation-induced graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) onto cassava starch. The optimum conditions for grafting were studied in terms of % degree of grafting (Dg). Conversion of the ester groups present in poly(methyl acrylate)-grafted-cassava starch copolymer into hydroxamic acid was carried out by treatment with hydroxylamine (HA) in the presence of alkaline solution. The maximum percentage conversion of the ester groups of the grafted copolymer, % Dg=191 (7.63 mmol/g of MA), into the hydroxamic groups was 70% (5.35 mmol/g of MA) at the optimum condition. The adsorbent of 191%Dg had total adsorption capacities of 2.6, 1.46, 1.36, 1.15 and 1.6 mmol/g-adsorbent for Cd²⁺, Al³⁺, UO₂²⁺, V⁵⁺ and Pb²⁺, respectively, in the batch mode adsorption.     

Kinetics,isotherm and thermodynamics for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions by crystalline hydrous titanium oxide

The synthetic crystalline hydrous titanium(IV) oxide (CHTO), an anatase variety and thermally stable up to 300 °C, has been used for adsorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) from the aqueous solutions, the optimum pH-values of which are 5.0 and 1.5, respectively. The kinetic data correspond very well to the pseudo-second order equation. The rates of adsorption are controlled by the film (boundary layer) diffusion, and increase with increasing temperature. The equilibrium data describe very well the Langmuir, Redlich–Peterson, and Toth isotherms. The monolayer adsorption capacities are high, and increased with increasing temperature. The evaluated ΔG^° (kJ · mol^?1) and ΔH^° (kJ · mol^?1) indicate the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the reactions. The adsorptions occur with increase in entropy (ΔS^° = positive), and the mean free energy (E_DR) values obtained by analysis of equilibrium data with Dubinin–Radushkevick equation indicate the ion-exchange mechanism for Cr(III) and Cr(VI)-adsorptions.     

Thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions onto a new cation exchanger derived from tamarind fruit shell

A novel cation exchanger (TFS-CE) having carboxylate functionality was prepared through graft copolymerization of hydroxyethylmethacrylate onto tamarind fruit shell (TFS) in the presence of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a cross-linking agent using K₂S₂O₈/Na₂S₂O₃ initiator system, followed by functionalisation. The TFS-CE was used for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. At fixed solid/solution ratio the various factors affecting adsorption such as pH, initial concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated. Kinetic experiments showed that the amount of Cu(II) adsorbed increased with increase in Cu(II) concentration and equilibrium was attained at 1 h. The kinetics of adsorption follows pseudo-second-order model and the rate constant increases with increase in temperature indicating endothermic nature of adsorption. The Arrhenius and Eyring equations were used to obtain the kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E_a) and enthalpy (ΔH^#), entropy (ΔS^#) and free energy (ΔG^#) of activation for the adsorption process. The value of E_a for adsorption was found to be 10.84 kJ · mol^?1 and the adsorption involves diffusion controlled process. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) was 64 · 10 mg · g^?1 at T = 303 K. The thermodynamic parameters such as changes in free energy (ΔG^°), enthalpy (ΔH^°), and entropy (ΔS^°) were derived to predict the nature of adsorption process. The isosteric heat of adsorption increases with increase in surface loading indicating some lateral interactions between the adsorbed metal ions.     

Production of activated carbon from sludge of food processing industry under controlled pyrolysis and its application for methylene blue removal

The present work aims to conduct a process optimization for the production of activated carbon from sludge of food processing industry. The significant feature of this sludge based activated carbon that makes it unique and economic is that it can be produced from waste material. The carbonaceous nature of this sludge does not allow its direct disposal to land because of excess organic and nutrient load contents, however, can be converted to a value added product. This process not only eliminates the need for further treatment of sludge but also reduce the cost of its handling, land filling, and transportation as well as the utilization in the same industry in the purification system.In the present work, activated carbon produced from pyrolysis of sludge was chemically activated by various activating agents. Optimization of impregnation ratio, impregnation time, activation temperature, and activation time was studied. The product was characterized through its iodine value and yield percentage. It was observed that the product had maximum iodine value of 624 mg g⁻¹ with ZnCl₂ as an activating agent. The FT-IR analysis depicts the presence of a variety of functional groups attached on the surface of activated carbon which are used in the interaction with the adsorbate during the process of adsorption. The XRD analysis reveals that the produced activated carbon has low content of inorganic constituents compared with the precursor. The product formed was applied for methylene blue adsorption. The adsorption equilibrium of methylene blue dye was examined at room temperature. Adsorption isotherm was drawn by applying Langmuir and Freundlich models fitting the data indict, with an adsorption capacity of 23.6 mg g⁻¹ and 14.2 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The data show that methylene blue adsorption is best suited to Langmuir equation.     

Metal adsorbent for alkaline etching aqua solutions of Si wafer

High performance adsorbent is expected to be synthesized for the removal of Ni and Cu ions from strong alkaline solution used in the surface etching process of Si wafer. Fibrous adsorbent was synthesized by radiation-induce emulsion graft polymerization onto polyethylene nonwoven fabric and subsequent amination. The reaction condition was optimized using 30 L reaction vessel and nonwoven fabric, 0.3 m width and 18 m long. The resulting fibrous adsorbent was evaluated by 48 wt% NaOH and KOH contaminated with Ni and Cu ions, respectively. The concentration levels of Ni and Cu ions was reduced to less than 1 μg/kg (ppb) at the flow rate of 10 h^?1 in space velocity. The life of adsorbent was 30 times higher than that of the commercialized resin. This novel adsorbent was commercialized as METOLATE^® since the ability of adsorption is remarkably higher than that of commercial resin used practically in Si wafer processing.     

Biodegradable metal adsorbent synthesized by graft polymerization onto nonwoven cotton fabric

A fibrous adsorbent for Hg ions was synthesized by radiation-induced emulsion graft polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto a nonwoven cotton fabric and subsequent chemical modification. The optimal pre-irradiation dose for initiation of the graft polymerization of GMA, which minimized the effects of radiation damage on the mechanical strength of the nonwoven cotton fabric, was found to be 10 kGy. The GMA-grafted nonwoven cotton fabric was subsequently modified with ethylenediamine (EDA) or diethylenetriamine (DETA) to obtain a Hg adsorbent. The resulting amine-type adsorbents were evaluated for batch and continuous adsorption of Hg. In batch adsorption, the distribution coefficients of Hg reached 1.9×10⁵ and 1.0×10⁵ for EDA- and DETA-type adsorbents, respectively. A column packed with EDA-type adsorbent removed Hg from 1.8 ppm Hg solution at a space velocity of 100 h^?1, which corresponds to 16,000 times the volume of the packed adsorbent. The adsorbed Hg on the EDA-type adsorbent could be completely eluted by 1 M HCl solution. A microbial oxidative degradation test revealed that the EDA-type adsorbent is biodegradable.