Adsorption of cadmium(II) on waste biomaterial

A novel green synthesis of MnO2-Coal composite for rapid removal of silver and lead from wastewater

The presence of Ag(I) and Pb(II) ions in wastewater poses a significant threat to human health in contemporary times. This study aims to explore the development of a novel and economical adsorbent by grafting MnO2 particles onto low-rank coal, providing an innovative solution for the remediation of water contaminated with silver and lead. The synthesized nanocomposites, referred to as MnO2-Coal, underwent thorough characterization using FTIR, XRD, BET, and SEM to highlight the feasibility of in-situ surface modification of coal with MnO2 nanoparticles. The adsorption of Ag(I) and Pb(II) from their respective aqueous solution onto MnO2-Coal was systematically investigated, with optimization of key parameters such as pH, temperature, initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength, and competing ions. Remarkably adsorption equilibrium was achieved within a 10 min, resulting in impressive removal rates of 80-90 % for both Ag(I) and Pb(II) at pH 6. The experimental data were evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir isotherm model proved to be more accurate in representing the adsorption of Ag(I) and Pb(II) ions onto MnO2-Coal, exhibiting high regression coefficients (R2 = 0.99) and maximum adsorption capacities of 93.57 and 61.98 mg/g, along with partition coefficients of 4.53 and 71.92 L/g for Ag(I) and Pb(II), respectively, at 293 K. Kinetic assessments employing PFO, PSO, Elovich, and IPD models indicated that the PFO and PSO models were most suitable for adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) and Ag(I) on MnO2-Coal composites, respectively. Moreover, thermodynamic evaluation revealed the spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process for Ag(I), while exothermic behavior for adsorption of Pb(II). Importantly, this approach not only demonstrates cost-effectiveness but also environmental friendliness in treating heavy metal-contamination in water. The research suggests the potential of MnO2-Coal composites as efficient and sustainable adsorbents for water purification applications.

Comparative study on Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic) acid removal by quaternary ammonium functionalized silica gel and granular activated carbon from batch and column experiments and molecular simulation-based interpretation

Removing perfluoro(2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic) acid (HFPO-DA) in water treatment is hindered by its hydrophobicity and negative charge. Two adsorbents, quaternary-ammonium-functionalized silica gel (Qgel), specifically designed for anionic hydrophobic compounds, and conventional granular activated carbon (GAC) were investigated for HFPO-DA removal. ANOVA results (p ≪ 0.001) revealed significant effects on initial concentration, contact time, and adsorbent type. Langmuir model-derived capacities were 285.019 and 144.461 mg/g for Qgel and GAC, respectively, with Qgel exhibiting higher capacity irrespective of pH. In column experiments, selective removal of HFPO-DA removal with Qgel was observed; specifically, in the presence of NaCl, the breakthrough time was extended by 10 h from 26 to 36 h. Meanwhile, the addition of NaCl decreased the breakthrough time from 32 to 14 h for GAC. However, in the presence of carbamazepine, neither of the adsorbents significantly changed the breakthrough time for HFPO-DA. Molecular simulations were also used to compare the adsorption energies and determine the preferential interactions of HFPO-DA and salts or other chemicals with Qgel and GAC. Molecular simulations compared adsorption energies, revealing preferential interactions with Qgel and GAC. Notably, HFPO-DA adsorption energy on GAC surpassed other ions during coexistence. Specifically, with Cl- concentrations from 1 to 10 times, Qgel showed lower adsorption energy for HFPO-DA (-62.50 ± 5.44 eV) than Cl- (-52.89 ± 2.59 eV), a significant difference (p = 0.036). Conversely, GAC exhibited comparable or higher adsorption energy for HFPO-DA (-18.33 ± 40.38 eV) than Cl- (-32.36 ± 29.89 eV), with no significant difference (p = 0.175). This suggests heightened selectivity of Qgel for HFPO-DA removal compared to GAC. Consequently, our study positions Qgel as a promising alternative for effective HFPO-DA removal, contributing uniquely to the field. Additionally, our exploration of molecular simulations in predicting micropollutant removal adds novelty to our study.

RSM optimization studies for cadmium ions adsorption onto pristine and acid-modified kaolinite clay

Clay has been reported as an active absorbent for the removal of toxic heavy metals from aqueous medium. In this study, pristine and acid modified kaolinite clays (PKC and AMKC) were prepared, characterized using various analyses, and tested for Cd2+ ion adsorption from textile industry wastewater. After acid modification, the specific surface area of clay increased from 84.2 to 389.4 m2/g. Adsorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics behaviour process were examined. The pH at (pHpzc) of 8.5 indicate that AMKC surface is positively charged for pH below the pHpzc attracting anions. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of adsorption process factors on Cd2+ ion removal uptake. At the optimum process conditions of 45.3 °C temperature, 0.63 g/L adsorbent dosage, and 120.9 min contact time, the percentages of Cd2+ adsorbed by PKC and AMKC were 77.82% and 99.19%, respectively. Various models were employed to analyzed the kinetic and equilibrium data. The Pseudo-first order, Pseudo-second order and Intra-particle diffusion were used to evaluate the kinetic data, while the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were applied to analyzed the equilibrium data. The sorption kinetics was found to be best described by Pseudo-second order considering the high correlation coefficient (R2), smaller Chi-square (ᵪ2) and sum of square error (SSE). The Freundlich model was the most accurate in describing the equilibrium data followed by Langmuir and Temkin respectively. The thermodynamic reveal that the reaction is spontaneous and endothermic in nature, and increase in randomness between the adsorbent and adsorbate. The obtained activation energy (Ea) value suggest that the adsorption mechanism of Cd(II) is a physisorption dominated.

Role of minerals in mushroom residue on its adsorption capability to Cd(II) from aqueous solution

To explore the influence of mineral components in bio-sorbent on its adsorption capability towards heavy metal ions, the physicochemical properties of original mushroom residue (UMR) and that treated by an acid solution to remove its minerals (AMR) were comparatively analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR). Then, the adsorption performance of UMR and AMR for Cd(II) as well as the potential adsorption mechanism were investigated. Results show that UMR contains abundant K, Na, Ca and Mg, with the contents of 245.35, 50.18, 1390.63 and 29.84 mmol kg^-1, respectively. Acid treatment (AMR) results in the removal of most of the mineral components, exposing more pore structures and increasing the specific surface area by about 7 times to 20.45 m² g^-1. The adsorption performance of UMR is significantly better than that of AMR when they are employed to purify a Cd(II)-contained aqueous solution. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of UMR calculated by Langmuir model is 75.74 mg g^-1, which is about 22 times of that of AMR. Moreover, the adsorption of Cd(II) on UMR reaches an equilibrium at about 0.5 h, while the adsorption equilibrium of AMR takes more than 2 h. The mechanism analysis shows that 86.41% of the adsorption of Cd(II) on UMR can be attributed to ion exchange and precipitation caused by mineral components (especially for K, Na, Ca and Mg). The adsorption of Cd(II) on AMR mainly depends on the interactions between Cd(II) and surface functional groups, electrostatic interaction and pore-filling. The study indicates that those bio-solid wastes with abundant mineral components can be potentially developed as low-cost and high-efficient adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

Tuning polymorphs of precipitated calcium carbonate from discarded eggshells: effects of polyelectrolyte and salt concentration

Biowaste eggshells are a valuable source of calcium carbonate suitable for various applications. In this study, spherical vaterite and calcite calcium carbonate polymorphs have been synthesised from discarded eggshells by the precipitation technique at ambient temperature. The influence of initial salt concentration with different polyelectrolytes such as ethylene glycol (EG), polyethylene glycol (PEG, 600 and 6000), and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) at various w/v% concentrations on the polymorph crystal formation of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) particles was studied. The results indicated that PCC crystals with spherical, star-shaped and yarn shaped morphologies can be obtained based on the concentration of calcium ions and the presence of different polyelectrolyte solution. At low salt molar concentration, PEG-6000 and PSS polyelectrolytes were found to promote the formation of spherical vaterite calcium carbonate particles with particle mean diameters of 5.05 μm and 2.17 μm, respectively. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles were also loaded into the PCC particles in situ, and the surface area significantly increased from 2.2813 m2 g-1 in untreated ground eggshells to 30.4632 m2 g-1 in PCC particles in the presence of PSS and silver colloid solution. The EDS mapping revealed the average wt% of silver atoms loaded in PCC particles in the presence of PSS polyelectrolyte was lower (1.44 wt%) than in the presence of PEG-6000 (4.27 wt%) due to the silver encapsulation possibility during the core-shell formation, as confirmed by SEM images. The silver nanoparticle-loaded PCC particles in this study can be incorporated into the polymer matrix and employed for antimicrobial food packaging or wound dressing application.

Key particle properties of shells for cadmium chemisorption

Previous studies on cadmium adsorption of calcium carbonate have found that polymorph, and, crystallinity are influential factors for adsorbing cadmium ions. The predominant factor for cadmium adsorption has yet to be elucidated because these factors are linked. To overcome this, here each factor is investigated separately. First, atmospheric grinding prepared surf clam (aragonite phase) and scallop (calcite phase) shells with similar crystallite sizes and specific surface areas. Using adsorption isotherm models, kinetics, X-ray diffraction analysis, and TEM observations, both calcite and aragonite react with cadmium to form cadmium carbonate. The chemisorption follows the adsorption mechanism reported in the literature. Based on the Langmuir isotherm model fitting, the maximum adsorbed amount for the ground surf clam shells is 633.3 mg/g, while that for scallop shells is 195.8 mg/g. Then fine surf clam shell particles with a similar specific surface area, and with a relatively wide range of the aragonite ratio, and crystallite size are prepared via a combination of grinding and a subsequent calcination process. Our experiments where one explanatory variable is changed at a time demonstrate that the polymorph ratio and crystallite size of the ground shells play key roles in the chemisorption.

The Effects of Waste Cement on the Bioavailability, Mobility, and Leaching of Cadmium in Soil

Waste cement is a construction and demolition waste produced from old buildings' demolition and transformation. In recent years, the recycling of recycled concrete is limited to the use of recycled aggregate, and the research on the utilization of waste cement in waste concrete is scarce. This study explored the effective application of waste cement for the adsorption of cadmium (Cd²⁺) from an aqueous solution and the bioavailability and immobility of Cd²⁺ in soil. Results showed that the maximum adsorption capacities of ordinary Portland cement(OPC) paste, fly ash cement (FAC) paste, and zeolite cement (ZEC) paste for Cd²⁺ were calculated to be 10.97, 9.47, 4.63 mg·g^-1, respectively. The possible mechanisms for Cd²⁺ adsorption in the solution by waste cement mainly involve precipitation by forming insoluble Cd²⁺ compounds in alkaline conditions, and ion exchange for Cd²⁺ with the exchangeable calcium ions in waste cement, which were confirmed by XRD and SEM. Results from diethylene triaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction and toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) implied reduction of the Cd²⁺ mobility. DTPA-extractable Cd²⁺ decreased by 52, 48 and 46%, respectively, by adding 1% OPC, FAC and ZEC. TCLP-extractable Cd²⁺ decreased by 89.0, 80.3, and 56.0% after 1% OPC, FAC, and ZEC treatment, respectively. BCR analyses indicate that OPC, FAC, and ZEC applications increased the percentage of Cd²⁺ in residual fraction and induced a high reduction in the acid-soluble Cd²⁺ proportion. The leaching column test further confirmed a reduction in Cd²⁺ mobility by waste cement treated under continuous leaching of simulated acid rain (SAR). Therefore, waste cement exhibited a significant enhancement in the immobilization of Cd²⁺ under simulated acid rain (SAR) leaching. In summary, the application of alkaline waste cement could substantially remove Cd²⁺ from wastewater and reduce Cd²⁺ mobility and bioavailability in contaminated soil.

Ultrasonic assisted agro waste biomass for rapid removal of Cd(II) ions from aquatic environment: Mechanism and modelling analysis

In this research, dragon fruit peel, an agro-waste was used to prepare the new adsorbent for the removal of Cd(II) ions from the aquatic environment. The characterization techniques of SEM, FTIR and EDX for the prepared materials have been studied. The influential parameters for Cd(II) ions were experimented and identified the probable conditions for the maximum adsorption of Cd(II) ions. The investigations on isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics for Cd(II) ions removal were examined. Adsorption isotherm data was well discussed with Langmuir model based on the obtained good correlation coefficient and error values. Moreover, it follows the pseudo-first-order and exothermic process. The values of monolayer adsorption capacity of surface-modified dragon fruit peel (SMDFP) and ultrasonic-assisted dragon fruit peel (UADFP) was determined to be 7.469 and 24.76 mg/g at an equilibrium condition, respectively. This study exposed that ultrasonic-assisted dragon fruit peel can be a suitable adsorbent for Cd(II) ions removal from the water environment.

Preparation of amine-modified lignin and its applicability toward online micro-solid phase extraction of valsartan and losartan in urine samples

In the present work, with the focus on an environmentally-friendly approach, some gels were prepared by synthesizing amine-modified lignin, extracted from sugarcane bagasse, and further esterification and subsequent freeze-drying. These lignin-based gels were implemented as extractive phases in an online micro-solid phase extraction (μSPE) setup in conjunction with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detector. The developed method was used for analytical determination of valsartan and losartan in urine samples. To study the effect of the functionalization process, the efficiency of the unmodified lignin and the functionalized lignin were compared both in the absence and the presence of graphene oxide (GO), presumably as a suitable doping agent. Surprisingly, higher extraction efficiency for the functionalized lignin, compared to both unmodified lignin and GO was observed. The amination process for the prepared gel was analyzed and proved by CHNS elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The morphology of sorbet was investigated via scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and a nanoscale cauliflower feature was observed. The method was optimized and subsequently applied to the analysis of the urine samples. Limits of detection (LOD) of 8 and 6 µg L ^- 1, limits of quantification (LOQ) of 27 and 20 µg L ^- 1 and linear dynamic range (LDR) of 27-2000 and 20-2000 µg L ^- 1 with intraday relative standard deviations (RSD%) of 4 and 3% were obtained for valsartan and losartan, respectively. The whole online μSPE-HPLC setup was conveniently used for the analysis of a patient urine sample and a quantity of 352 μg L ^- 1 of losartan was found. Acceptable relative recoveries (109-108 and 95-94% for valsartan and losartan) revealed the analytical potential of the method for the determination of drugs in complex urine samples.

Polyvinyl Alcohol/Calcium Carbonate Nanocomposites as Efficient and Cost-Effective Cationic Dye Adsorbents

A novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/calcium carbonate-based double-layer cationic dye adsorbent was developed. Polyvinyl alcohol (50 wt %) and calcium carbonate (50 wt %) were used together with borax as a cross-linking agent. The nanocomposite was prepared using only water, without the need for any toxic solvent or hazardous chemical. The final samples were obtained by the solvent casting method. The nanocomposite adsorbent was characterized using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adsorption performance on two cationic dyes, i.e., methylene blue and safranin was studied. Dye adsorption was quantified by measuring the nanocomposite swelling, contact time, and dye concentration. Pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order kinetic models as well as intraparticle diffusion model were used to model the adsorption kinetics. Moreover, the isotherm dye adsorption was investigated by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The results revealed that the developed nanocomposite has relatively high adsorption efficiency and short adsorption time and retains its performance after several successive absorption–desorption processes. The results also showed that the pseudo-second-order model best describes the adsorption kinetics, and the Freundlich isotherm model has a better compatibility with the experimental data. Finally, an adsorption mechanism was proposed for the dye removal process. The developed PVA/CaCO₃ nanocomposite can be potentially used for efficient dye removal in wastewater treatments.

Statistical analyses on effective removal of cadmium and hexavalent chromium ions by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)

In this work, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) developed from cobalt-ferrite catalyst on activated carbon (from castor seed), was used as an adsorbent for the removal of cadmium and hexavalent chromium ions. The effectiveness of the adsorbent for the uptake of Cd(II) and Cr(VI)ions from aqueous solution was investigated in a process batch adsorption study. The developed activated carbon and MWCNTs were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for the determination of surface area, functional group, and surface morphology, respectively. The BET surface area of activated carbon and developed adsorbent from Co–Fe/AC was 230.24 and 372.42 m²/g, respectively. The operational parameters evaluated on the adsorption efficiency were solution pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage initial metal ions concentration, and contact time. The adsorption of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) were found to have attained equilibrium positions in 60 min for the concentration range tested, respectively. The four linearized adsorption isotherm models; Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin Radushkevich (D-R) tested, when compared, revealed that Langmuir isotherm fitted well to the experimental data judging from the higher correlation coefficient values (R²) and lower values of the error functions (chi-square (χ²), the sum of square error (ERRSQ/SSE) and the sum of absolute error (EABS))with monolayer adsorption capacities of 404.858 and 243.902 mg/g for Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions, respectively. Adsorption kinetic models investigated by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion showed the conformity of pseudo-second-order model to the process adsorption as informed by the higher values R² and Adj, R², maximum log-likelihood and smaller ERRSQ/SSE, χ², Akaike information criterion (AIC), Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and Hannan-Quinn information criterion (HQIC). The intraparticle diffusion model plots indicated that intraparticle diffusion was not the only rate-limiting step. Thermodynamic adsorption parameters (ΔH^o and ΔG^o, ΔS^o) showed that the adsorption of Cd (II) and Cr (VI) ions was spontaneous, endothermic, and increased in randomness between the adsorbate-adsorbent. The mean adsorption energy (E), the heat of adsorption (ΔH^o), and activation energy (E_a) values, revealed the adsorption mechanism of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) onto MWCNTs as a combination of chemical and physical adsorption but dominated more by chemical adsorption.

Study on Heat Transfer Performance and Anti-Fouling Mechanism of Ternary Ni-W-P Coating

Since the formation of fouling reduces heat transfer efficiency and causes energy loss, anti-fouling is desirable and may be achieved by coating. In this work, a nickel-tungsten-phosphorus (Ni-W-P) coating was prepared on the mild steel (1015) substrate using electroless plating by varying sodium tungstate concentration to improve its anti-fouling property. Surface morphology, microstructure, fouling behavior, and heat transfer performance of coatings were further reported. Also, the reaction path, transition state, and energy gradient change of calcite, aragonite, and vaterite were also calculated. During the deposition process, as the W and P elements were solids dissolved in the Ni crystal cell, the content of Ni element was obviously higher than that of the other two elements. Globular morphology was evenly covered on the surface. Consequently, the thermal conductivity of ternary Ni-W-P coating decreases from 8.48 W/m·K to 8.19 W/m·K with the increase of W content. Additionally, it goes up to 8.93 W/m·K with the increase of heat source temperature 343 K. Oxidation products are always accompanied by deposits of calcite-phase CaCO3 fouling. Due to the low surface energy of Ni-W-P coating, Ca2+ and [CO3]2− are prone to cross the transition state with a low energy barrier of 0.10 eV, resulting in the more formation of aragonite-phase CaCO3 fouling on ternary Ni-W-P coating. Nevertheless, because of the interaction of high surface energy and oxidation products on the bare matrix or Ni-W-P coating with superior W content, free Ca2+ and [CO3]2− can be easy to nucleate into calcite. As time goes on, the heat transfer efficiency of material with Ni-W-P coating is superior to the bare surface.

Sorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on Aragonite Synthesized from Eggshell

In the present work, waste eggshells were used as a precursor for the synthesis of aragonite crystals through the wet carbonation method. Cadmium (Cd2+) and lead (Pb2+) were removed by the synthesized aragonite from synthetic wastewater. The influence of initial solution pH, contact time, Cd2+ and Pb2+ concentration, and sorbent dosage were evaluated. The major sorption was observed in the first 100 mins and 360 mins for Pb2+and Cd2+ respectively reaching sorption equilibrium at 720 mins (12 hr). The sorption capacity toward Pb2+ was much higher than toward Cd2+. Both heavy metals displayed high sorption capacities at initial pH 6. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model fits well with the experimental data with a higher correlation coefficient R2. Two isotherm models were also evaluated for the best fit with the experimental data obtained. Langmuir isotherm best fits the sorption of the metals on aragonite synthesized from eggshells. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of sorbent after sorption showed that the mechanism of sorption was dominated by surface precipitation. Therefore, aragonite crystals synthesized from waste eggshells can be a potential substitute source for the removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ from contaminated water.

Effect of pre-treatment of bentonite with sodium and calcium ions on phosphate adsorption onto zirconium-modified bentonite

To understand the influence of the pre-treatment of bentonite with Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ on the adsorption of phosphate on zirconium-modified bentonite, three kinds of adsorbent materials including zirconium-modified raw, Na⁺-pretreated and Ca²⁺-pretreated bentonites were synthesized and characterized firstly, and afterward their adsorption performance and mechanism for phosphate were studied comparatively. The phosphate adsorption ability for zirconium-modified bentonite decreased after the pre-treatment of bentonite with Na⁺, but it increased after the pre-treatment of bentonite with Ca²⁺. The maximum phosphate adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir isotherm model for zirconium-modified Ca²⁺-pretreated bentonites (13.4 mg P/g) was much higher than that for the zirconium-modified raw bentonite (9.06 mg P/g). The pre-treatment of bentonite with Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ did not change the interaction type between zirconium-modified bentonite and phosphate, i.e., the coordination of phosphate to zirconium. The decreased phosphate adsorption capacity for zirconium-modified bentonite induced by the Na⁺ pre-treatment could be mainly attributed to the decrease of the specific surface area and the content of exchangeable Ca. The increased phosphate adsorption capacity for zirconium-modified bentonite induced by the Ca²⁺ pre-treatment could be mainly due to the increase in the amount of exchangeable Ca. Results of this work suggest that the zirconium-modified Ca²⁺-pretreated bentonite is more suitably used as an adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from wastewater than the zirconium-modified raw and Na⁺-pretreated bentonites.

An efficient phosphorus scavenging from aqueous solution using magnesiothermally modified bio-calcite

Bio-calcite (BC) derived from waste hen eggshell was subjected to thermal treatments (calcined bio-calcite (CBC)). The BC and CBC were further modified via magnesiothermal treatments to produce modified bio-calcite (MBC) and modified calcined bio-calcite (MCBC), respectively, and evaluated as a novel green sorbent for P removal from aqueous solutions in the batch experiments. Modified BC exhibited improved structural and chemical properties, such as porosity, surface area, thermal stability, mineralogy and functional groups, than pristine material. Langmuir and Freundlich models well described the P sorption onto both thermally and magnesiothermally sorbents, respectively, suggesting mono- and multi-layer sorption. Langmuir predicted highest P sorption capacities were in the order of: MCBC (43.33 mg g^-1) > MBC (35.63 mg g-¹) > CBC (34.38 mg g^-1) > BC (30.68 mg g^-1). The MBC and MCBC removed 100% P up to 50 mg P L^-1, which reduced to 35.43 and 39.96%, respectively, when P concentration was increased up to 1000 mg L^-1. Dynamics of P sorption was well explained by the pseudo-second-order rate equation, with the highest sorption rate of 4.32 mg g^-1 min^-1 for the MCBC. Hydroxylapatite [Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂] and brushite [CaH(PO₄)·2H₂O] were detected after P sorption onto the modified sorbents by X-ray diffraction analysis, suggesting chemisorption as the operating sorption mechanism.

Synthesis and characterization of the removal of organic pollutants in effluents

The use of a large number of organic pollutants results in the accumulation of effluents at the places of production and the environment. These substances are, therefore, dangerous for living organisms and can cause heavy environmental damage. Hence, to cure these problems certain methods were used for the elimination of organic effluents. Indeed, the methods of elimination through magnetic adsorption and/or separation prove to be effective in the treatment of certain wastes, but the effectiveness of each one of these methods depends on several characteristics and also present limitations according to the pollutants they adsorb. This review examines on the one hand the capacity of certain elements of these methods in the elimination of certain pollutants and on the other hand the advantages and limits of these methods. Elements like biochars, biosorbents and composite materials are used due to their very strong porosity which makes it possible for them to develop an important contact surface with the external medium, at low costs, and the possibility of producing them from renewable sources. The latter still run up however against the problems of formation of mud and regeneration. Depollution by magnetic separation is also used due to its capacity to mitigate the disadvantages of certain methods which generally lead to the formation of mud and overcoming also the difficulties like obtaining an active material and at the same time being able to fix the pollutants present in the effluents to treat and sensitize them to external magnetic fields.

Ball milling of eggshell waste as a green and sustainable approach: A review

Eggshell waste belongs to the most abundant natural waste in nature and is created in huge amounts by everyday consumption of eggs. The majority of this material is being discarded, despite the fact that it has multidisciplinary applications. In this review, the possibility of utilizing the method of ball milling to further broaden the application potential of this material is discussed. The particular application fields include the formation of nanophases, bioceramics synthesis, formation of composites and preparation of material with increased sorption ability. In addition, some other specific applications, like the utilization of ball-milled eggshell as a drug delivery agent, or for the formation of antibacterially active species, are also mentioned. The review provides a critical mechanochemical insight into this topic and aims to emphasize the green and sustainable way of utilizing eggshell waste by environmentally friendly method.

Hydrothermal Carbonization of Microalgae (Chlorococcum sp.) for Porous Carbons With High Cr(VI) Adsorption Performance

Porous carbon adsorbents were prepared from microalgae (Chlorococcum sp.) via directly hydrothermal carbonization coupled with KOH or NH₃ activation for Cr(VI) adsorption. KOH-activated porous carbons exhibit high Cr(VI) adsorption capacities than those obtained via NH₃ modification (370.37 > 95.70 mg/g). The superior Cr(VI) adsorption capacity is due to high surface areas (1784 m²/g) and pore volumes of porous carbon with mesoporous and macroporous structures. The Cr(VI) adsorption result was well fitted to the Langmuir model, showing that the removal of Cr(VI) was attributed to the monolayer adsorption of activity site on carbon surface.

Removal of cadmium from a citrate-bearing solution by floatable microsized garlic peel

Garlic peel was chosen as an effective adsorbent for a cadmium-contaminated soil remediation process.

Physicochemical characterization of a dental eggshell powder abrasive material

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of an eggshell-based dental abrasive material.

METHODS

The eggshell powder abrasive material (EPAM) was synthesized by ball milling eggshell powder and surfactants. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a laser diffraction particle size analyzer (PSA) were used to characterize EPAM. In addition, the abrasive characteristics of EPAM were evaluated by comparison using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resins. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer.

RESULTS

The FTIR spectroscopy and XRD analysis confirmed that the carbonate product was primarily calcite (97.3%) with traces of graphite 2H (1.3%) and thenardite (1.4%). The TEM imagery revealed irregular particles in EPAM. The PSA analysis of the particle size distribution showed EPAM to be a superfine powder (0.3 µm to 50 nm). In addition, the 50-nm EPAM (Ra = 0.04 µm) measured the lowest Ra value when compared with pumice (Ra = 0.08 µm).

CONCLUSIONS

The salient features of this study indicate that EPAM can naturally replace calcite, which is generally mined and used as a dental abrasive material. In addition, and regarding the abrasive characteristics of EPAM in reducing the surface roughness of PMMA resin specimens, this study conclusively showed that EPAM effectively reduces the surface roughness below the threshold limit value of 0.2 µm. Potentially, EPAM could reduce waste disposal problems while enabling an economic benefit from using eggshell waste material.

Kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies with linear and non-linear fitting for cadmium(II) removal by black carbon of pine cone

In this study, black carbon from pine cone (BCPC) and acidic-modified BCPC (MBCPC) powder as a popular agricultural waste in the southeast of Iran were used for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions. The effect of various factors, such as surface chemistry and dosage of adsorbent, contact time, size of particles, initial concentration of cadmium, temperature, and pH of aqueous solutions, was investigated. The results show cadmium removal with usage of the mentioned adsorbents increased after acidic modification. It was noteworthy in this work that the removal percentage of pollutant was above 90% for suggested biosorbents. The obtained experimental data for optimum conditions were selected to model the adsorption behavior of the materials with usage of six isotherm equations via non-linear fitting method and the residual root mean square error estimation for each model. The adsorption of cadmium preferably fitted Khan and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherms for BCPC and MBCPC adsorbents, respectively. The kinetic studies via linear fitting method proved the second-order kinetic was the applicable model for the adsorption process. Thermodynamic studies show the adsorption process of cadmium onto BCPC and MBCPC was spontaneous and endothermic.

Preparation of MnO2-Modified Graphite Sorbents from Spent Li-Ion Batteries for the Treatment of Water Contaminated by Lead, Cadmium, and Silver

Herein, a novel adsorbent was prepared via grafting MnO₂ particles on graphite recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries to treat water contaminated by lead, cadmium, and silver. This is the first study reporting the recovery of spent LIB anode material and its application to heavy-metal-contaminated wastewater treatment. Characterizations using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and Fourier transform infrared showed that the adsorbent surface was coated with MnO₂ ultrafine particles that served as the sorption mechanism to remove heavy-metal ions. In comparison to the raw artificial graphite (AG) powder, the MnO₂-modified AG (MnO₂-AG) exhibited a markedly improved removal capacity toward Pb(II), Cd(II), and Ag(I), whose removal rates reached as high as 99.9, 79.7, and 99.8%, respectively. The removal of the heavy metals by MnO₂-AG was mainly through the ion exchange of hydroxyl groups. This study provides the possibility of synthesis of an efficient adsorbent by reusing the "waste", such as spent Li-ion batteries. It is an economic and environmentally friendly approach for both heavy-metal-contaminated water treatment and waste recycling.

Phosphorus removal from aqueous solution in parent and aluminum-modified eggshells: thermodynamics and kinetics, adsorption mechanism, and diffusion process

Parent and aluminum-modified eggshells were prepared and characterized with X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurements, infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Besides, phosphorus adsorptions in these two eggshells at different temperatures and solution pH were carried out to study adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics as well as the mechanisms of phosphorus adsorption and diffusion. The results indicated that high temperature was favorable for phosphorus adsorption in parent and aluminum-modified eggshells. Alkaline solution prompted phosphorus adsorption in parent eggshell, while the maximum adsorption amount was achievable at pH 4 in aluminum-modified eggshell. Adsorption isotherms of phosphorus in these eggshells could be well described by Langmuir and Freundlich models. Phosphorus adsorption amounts in aluminum-modified eggshell were markedly higher compared to those in parent eggshell. Adsorption heat indicated that phosphorus adsorption in parent eggshell was a typically physical adsorption process, while chemical adsorption mechanism of ion exchange between phosphorus and hydroxyl groups on the surface of eggshells was dominated in aluminum-modified eggshell. The time-resolved uptake curves showed phosphorus adsorption in aluminum-modified eggshell was significantly faster than that in parent eggshell. Moreover, there existed two clear steps in time-resolved uptake curves of phosphorus in parent eggshell. Based on pseudo-second order kinetic model and intraparticle diffusion model, we inferred more than one process affected phosphorus adsorption. The first process was the diffusion of phosphorus through water to external surface and the opening of pore channel in the eggshells, and the second process was mainly related to intraparticle diffusion.

Feasibility of using demolition waste as an alternative heavy metal immobilising agent

Demolition waste consisting of cement paste, lightweight concrete and bricks is a worthless material generated by a growing city. However, research suggests that it may be applied as an alternative heavy metal immobilising agent. The diverse characteristics of demolition waste were examined. Cadmium was selected as there presentative heavy metal to investigate demolition waste adsorption capacity. The solid-liquid distribution coefficients (K_d) were observed. The adsorption isotherms were applied to investigate adsorption characteristics. Carbon content in the demolition waste materials was low and mainly in inorganic form. Cement paste and lightweight concrete had an alkaline pH with very high acid neutralising capacity (ANC). The surface area and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of these materials were low. Cement paste possessed the highest pH, ANC, CEC and surface area, with the highest K_d; however, its specific surface area and CEC were low compared to activated carbon and organic material. The adsorption isotherms indicated surface heterogeneity with favourable conditions for adsorption and the mean free energy suggested physisorption with multilayer formation. The K_d values of the tested materials were comparable to soil which was not effective in immobilising heavy metal via adsorption mechanisms. However, the high pH and ANC of cement paste and lightweight concrete can improve the heavy metal adsorption capacity of soil and soil ANC that help prevents and controls leaching by heavy metals.

Feasibility of sulfate-calcined eggshells for removing pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes from landfill leachates

High abundance of human pathogen and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill leachate has become an emerging threat against human health. Therefore, sulfate- and calcination-modified eggshells as green agricultural bioresource were applied to test the feasibility of removing pathogenic bacteria and ARGs from leachate. The highest removal of Escherichia coli (E. coil) and gentamycin resistant gene (gmrA) from artificial contaminated landfill leachate was achieved by the application of eggshell with combined treatment of sulfate and calcination. The 16S and gmrA gene copies of E. coil declined significantly from 1.78E8±8.7E6 and 4.12E8±5.9E6 copies mL^-1 to 1.32E7±2.6E6 and 2.69E7±7.2E6 copies mL^-1, respectively, within 24h dynamic adsorption equilibrium process (p<0.05). Moreover, according to the Langmuir kinetic model, the greatest adsorption amount (1.56×10⁹ CFU E. coil per gram of modified eggshells) could be obtained at neutral pH of 7.5. The optimal adsorption eggshells were then screened to the further application in three typical landfill leachates in Nanjing, eastern China. Significant decrease in species and abundance of pathogenic bacteria and ARGs (tet, sul, erm, qnr, and ampC) indicated its great efficiency to purify landfill leachates. This study demonstrated that sulfate-calcined eggshells can be an environmentally-friendly and highly efficient bioadsorbent to the management of reducing dissemination risk of pathogen and ARGs in landfill leachate.

Removal of heavy metals from acid mine drainage using chicken eggshells in column mode

Chicken eggshells (ES) as alkaline sorbent were immobilized in a fixed bed to remove typical heavy metals from acid mine drainage (AMD). The obtained breakthrough curves showed that the breakthrough time increased with increasing bed height, but decreased with increasing flow rate and increasing particle size. The Thomas model and bed depth service time model could accurately predict the bed dynamic behavior. At a bed height of 10 cm, a flow rate of 10 mL/min, and with ES particle sizes of 0.18-0.425 mm, for a multi-component heavy metal solution containing Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺, the ES capacities were found to be 1.57, 146.44 and 387.51 mg/g, respectively. The acidity of AMD effluent clearly decreased. The ES fixed-bed showed the highest removal efficiency for Pb with a better adsorption potential. Because of the high concentration in AMD and high removal efficiency in ES fixed-bed of iron ions, iron floccules (Fe₂(OH)₂CO₃) formed and obstructed the bed to develop the overall effectiveness. The removal process was dominated by precipitation under the alkaline reaction of ES, and the co-precipitation of heavy metals with iron ions. The findings of this work will aid in guiding and optimizing pilot-scale application of ES to AMD treatment.

Influence of milling on the adsorption ability of eggshell waste

Eggshell waste was successfully used for the removal of heavy metal ions from model solutions. The effect of ball milling on the structure and adsorption ability of eggshell (ES) and its membrane (ESM) was investigated, with the conclusion that milling is benefitial only for the ES. The adsorption experiments showed that the ESM is a selective adsorbent, as the adsorption ability toward different ions decreased in the following order: Ag(I) > Cd(II) > Zn(II). The obtained Qm values for Ag(I) adsorption on the ESM and ES were 52.9 and 55.7 mg g(-1), respectively. The potential industrial application of ES was also demonstrated by successful removal of Ag(I) from the technological waste.