An efficient p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene based adsorbent for the removal of carbofuran from aqueous media

Present study describes the adsorption of carbofuran (CF) from aqueous solutions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene based modified silica through batch and column methods. Various parameters were optimized including initial pesticide concentrations (5 mg L^?1), pH (2–10), contact time (60 min) and adsorbent dosage (30 mg). Modified silica was characterized by FT-IR and scanning electron microscope. The adsorption was further explained by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models. Moreover, adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics were also investigated. Adsorption in dynamic mode was evaluated by breakthrough volumes and the Thomas model, applying batch conditions using 30 mg of modified silica at pH 5. It has been noticed that CF removal efficiency of modified silica was 98 % as compared to bare silica (48 %). Adsorption of CF on modified silica was found to be multilayer and physical in nature. Consequently, adsorption obeys pseudo-second-order kinetic equation following external mass transfer diffusion process as the rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic parameter (ΔG, ΔS, ΔH) values suggest that the adsorption of CF is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Thomas model rate constant k _TH (cm³ mg^?1 min^?1) and maximum solid phase concentration (q _o mg g^?1) was found to be 0.52 and 12.3, respectively, in dynamic mode.     

Preconcentration and Determination of Toxic Metals by A New Calix[4]arene Bonded HPLC Column

The present study deals with the preconcentration and determination of toxic metal ions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene (3) appended silica-based new HPLC column. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The sorption characteristics of the HPLC column were investigated for three toxic metals (Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺) in column agreement. The experiments were performed in five steps that were monitored using a UV–visible diode-array detector. However, all the HPLC experimental results were reconfirmed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of concentration on the sorption efficiency of the column was evaluated for all the three metals and the data obtained were investigated using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Redushkevich (D–R) sorption isotherms. The value of coefficient of determination (R ²), i.e. 0.99, suggested that the Freundlich sorption isotherm was found to be the best-fit model for all the three toxic metal ions, whereas, mean free energy was calculated from the D–R isotherm as 5.3, 5.7, and 5.8 kJ/mol for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺, respectively; suggesting that physical electrostatic force is involved in the sorption process. The developed method was validated for system efficiency, accuracy, and precision.

     

Preconcentration and Determination of Toxic Metals by A New Calix[4]arene Bonded HPLC Column

The present study deals with the preconcentration and determination of toxic metal ions using p-tetranitrocalix[4]arene (3) appended silica-based new HPLC column. The synthesized material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The sorption characteristics of the HPLC column were investigated for three toxic metals (Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺) in column agreement. The experiments were performed in five steps that were monitored using a UV–visible diode-array detector. However, all the HPLC experimental results were reconfirmed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The effect of concentration on the sorption efficiency of the column was evaluated for all the three metals and the data obtained were investigated using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Redushkevich (D–R) sorption isotherms. The value of coefficient of determination (R ²), i.e. 0.99, suggested that the Freundlich sorption isotherm was found to be the best-fit model for all the three toxic metal ions, whereas, mean free energy was calculated from the D–R isotherm as 5.3, 5.7, and 5.8 kJ/mol for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺, respectively; suggesting that physical electrostatic force is involved in the sorption process. The developed method was validated for system efficiency, accuracy, and precision.