Adsorption behaviors of methylene blue from aqueous solution on mesoporous birnessite

Synthesis of carboxymethyl starch co (polyacrylamide/ polyacrylic acid) hydrogel for removing methylene blue dye from aqueous solution

Natural polysaccharides, notably starch, have garnered attention for their accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. Modifying starch to carboxymethyl starch enhances its solubility, swelling capacity, and adsorption efficiency. This research examines the synthesis of an effective hydrogel adsorbent based on carboxymethyl starch for the elimination of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The hydrogel was synthesized using polyacrylamide and polyacrylic acid as monomers, ammonium persulfate as the initiator, and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as the cross-linker. Through FESEM, swelling morphology was evaluated in both distilled water and methylene blue dye. The adsorption data elucidated that the adsorption capacity of the hydrogel significantly depends on the dosage of the adsorbent, pH, and concentration of the MB dye. At a pH of 7 and a dye concentration of 250 mg/L, the hydrogel exhibited an impressive 95 % removal rate for methylene blue. The results indicate that the adsorption process follows pseudo-second-order kinetics and conforms well to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating a maximum adsorption capacity of 1700 mg/g. According to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and FTIR analysis, methylene blue chemisorbs to the adsorbent material. Hydrogel absorbents regulate adsorption through both intra-particle diffusion and liquid film diffusion. These results highlight the potential of the new hydrogel absorber for water purification.

Integrating DFT and machine learning for the design and optimization of sodium alginate-based hydrogel adsorbents: Efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater

This study presents a novel approach to design and optimize a sodium alginate-based hydrogel (SAH) for efficient adsorption of the model water pollutant methylene blue (MB) dye. Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, sodium alginate-g-poly (acrylamide-co-itaconic acid) was identified with the lowest adsorption energy (Eads) for MB dye among 14 different clusters. SAHs were prepared using selected monomers and sodium alginate combinations through graft co-polymerization, and swelling studies were conducted to optimize grafting conditions. Advanced characterization techniques, including FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM, EDS, and TGA, were employed, and the process was optimized using statistical and machine learning tools. Screening tests demonstrated that Eads serves as an effective predicting indicator for adsorption capacity (qe) and MB removal efficiency (RRMB,%), with reasonable agreement between Eads and both responses under given conditions. Process modeling and optimization revealed that 5 mg of selected SAH achieves a maximum qe of 3244 mg g-1 at 84.4% RRMB under pH 8.05, 98.8 min, and MB concentration of 383.3 mg L-1, as identified by the desirability function approach. Moreover, SAH effectively eliminated various contaminants from aqueous solutions, including sulfasalazine (SFZ) and dibenzothiophene (DBT). MB adsorption onto selected SAH was exothermic, spontaneous, and followed the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm models. The remarkable ability of SAH to adsorb MB is attributed to its well-designed structure predicted through DFT and optimal operational conditions achieved by AI-based parametric optimization. By integrating DFT-based computations and machine-learning tools, this study contributes to the efficient design of adsorbent materials and optimization of adsorption processes, also showcasing the potential of SAH as an efficient adsorbent for the abatement of aqueous pollution.

Recycled gold-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet

In this study, gold-reduced graphene oxide (Au@rGO) nanocomposite has been synthesized by repurposing electronic waste and dry batteries. This innovative approach involved utilizing the graphite rod from dry batteries to produce reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which was subsequently modified through the incorporation of gold nanoparticles obtained from recycled electronic waste. This methodology marks a significant breakthrough in electronic waste recycling, presenting a cost-effective and sustainable means of creating novel nanocomposites for applications in photocatalysis and adsorption, particularly in the removal of crystal violet (CV) from aqueous media. The synthesized Au@rGO nanocomposite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersed X-ray, and N2 adsorption/desorption. Parameters that affect the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of CV dye have been studied in detail. The optimal conditions for CV adsorption and photocatalytic degradation were pH of 10, equilibrium time of 30 min, CV concentration of 10 mg/L and adsorbent dosage of 40 mg. Furthermore, the isotherm and kinetics of CV removal were also studied. The removal of CV dye using adsorption and photocatalytic degradation techniques reached 95% and 99%, respectively. Consequently, the results showed that photocatalytic degradation of CV dye onto the mesoporous Au@rGO nanocomposite is more proper way than the adsorption technique for removing the CV dye from aqueous media. The designed photocatalyst has high efficiency and it can be reused and activated several times so it can be used in real water treatment applications.

Chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-diatomite hydrogel removes methylene blue from water

Dye pollution in the aquatic environment can harm ecosystems and human health. Here, we developed a new green adsorbent by applying an improved drying process. Diatomite was embedded in a network structure formed between chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol without using any crosslinking agent to prepare chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-diatomite hydrogel beads through alkali solidification. The beads were tested for removing a cationic dye (methylene blue (MB)) from water. The structure of the adsorbent beads was analysed using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity was investigated, and the results indicated excellent MB adsorption properties. The adsorbents had a rough surface and high swelling capacity of 66.9 g/g. The maximum MB adsorption capacity was 414.70 mg/g, and the adsorption followed the Freundlich isothermal and quasi-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption was an endothermic spontaneous process governed by both intra-particle and external diffusion processes. The proposed adsorption mechanisms involved hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. These adsorbent beads have considerable application potentials owing to their high adsorption capacity, green composition, and non-polluting nature.

Nano-chitin reinforced agarose hydrogels: Effects of nano-chitin addition and acidic gas-phase coagulation

Hydrogels based on natural polymers such as agarose usually show low applicability due to their weak mechanical properties. In this work, we developed a dual cross-linked agarose hydrogel by adding different amounts of TEMPO-oxidized nano-chitin (0-0.2 %) to agarose hydrogel matrices and then physically cross-linked under acidic gas-phase coagulation. The prepared hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. The effects of nano-chitin addition and acidic gas-phase coagulation on the properties of agarose hydrogels, such as gel strength, swelling degree, rheological properties, and methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity, were also studied. Structural characterizations confirmed that nano-chitin was successfully introduced into agarose hydrogels. The gel strength, storage modulus, and MB adsorption capacity of agarose hydrogels gradually increased with the increasing nano-chitin addition, whereas the swelling degree decreased. After acidic gas-phase coagulation, agarose/nano-chitin nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited improved gel strength and storage modulus, while the swelling degree and MB adsorption capacity were slightly reduced. The combination of oxidized nano-chitin and acidic gas-phase coagulation is expected to be an effective way to improve the properties of natural polymer hydrogels.

Photo-Fenton assisted AgCl and P-doped g-C3N4 Z-scheme photocatalyst coupled with Fe3O4/H2O2 system for 2, 4-dimethylphenol degradation

In this study graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄ or GCN) and phosphorus doped graphitic carbon nitride (p-g-C₃N₄ or PCN) were prepared using facile thermal polycondensation method. Phosphorus doping was employed to preserve the non-metallic nature of GCN. The AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄ heterojunction was synthesized using a simple in-situ route. The photocatalytic performance of the GCN, PCN, Fe₃O₄ and AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄ was tested towards 2, 4-dimethylphenol (DMP) pollutant. The work explored improvement in physiochemical properties and reduction of band gap of GCN after P doping (through Tauc's plot method). Coupling with AgCl (silver halide) also enhanced photoinduced charge carriers' separation and migration ability due to apt band alignment among both AgCl and PCN photocatalysts which resulted in formation of direct Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism. Similarly, the incorporation of ferrimagnetic material i.e. Fe₃O₄ enhanced the generation of hydroxyl (^•OH) radicals via photo-Fenton process and facilitated photocatalysts easy separation from the aqueous medium. Through PL and EIS analysis the enhanced charge separation and migration ability in AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was validated. The attained DMP degradation efficiency of photo-Fenton assisted AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄/H₂O₂ Z-scheme nanocomposite was much higher i.e. 99% compared to other photocatalysts within 60 min of visible light irradiation following pseudo-first-order kinetics. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scavenging tests confirmed the substantial role of ^•OH and ^•O₂^- radicals in the photo-Fenton reaction. Furthermore, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis detected the generated oxidative products and mineralization pathways associated with DMP degradation. The proposed direct Z-scheme charge transfer route presented efficient charge separation and migration ability in AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite. Recycle ability of the fabricated AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄ photocatalyst was tested up to 5 cycles with 90% removal efficacy, confirming the excellent reusability and stability of AgCl/PCN/Fe₃O₄ photocatalyst.

Chitosan-induced self-assembly of montmorillonite nanosheets along the end-face for methylene blue removal from water

In this study, chitosan-induced self-assembly of montmorillonite nanosheets (MMTNS) along the end-face to form the layered and porous structured composite with high adsorption capacity towards MB dye wastewater was investigated. The self-assembly process was driven by the hydrogen-bond interaction among -OH groups distributed along the end-face of MMTNS and -NH₂ groups on chitosan (CS) chain, which finally formed the infinite two-dimensional lamellae. This technology remained the exposed adsorption sites on MMTNS surface, and solved the separation issue of spent MMTNS from water, making MMTNS/CS an excellent adsorption material for macromolecular MB dye. The maximum adsorption capacity of MMTNS/CS towards MB reached 243 mg/g, which was achieved via the Na⁺- exchange, hydrogen-bond and n-π stacking interactions with MB molecules. This work aimed at breaking through the bottleneck of small adsorption capacity of traditional MMT adsorbents, solving the problem of solid-liquid separation of nanosheets, and effectively reducing the adsorption cost, which might guide an important direction for adsorption material design and development in the future.

Green, Sustainable Synthesis of γ-Fe2O3/MWCNT/Ag Nano-Composites Using the Viscum album Leaf Extract and Waste Car Tire for Removal of Sulfamethazine and Bacteria from Wastewater Streams

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are bifunctional adsorbent nanomaterials with antibacterial activity. They can be magnetically recovered from wastewater in case of coupling with γ-Fe₂O₃. In this study, for the first time, an environmentally friendly technique was applied to prepare a nanocomposite (NC) material composed of γ-Fe₂O₃/MWCNT/Ag by using Bridgestone disposable tires and Viscum album leaves extract. γ-Fe₂O₃/MWCNTs/Ag NC was employed for the removal of sulfamethazine (SMT) from aqueous solutions. Under the optimized conditions determined via the Taguchi method, the highest SMT adsorption capacity of the γ-Fe₂O₃/MWCNT/Ag NC was measured to be 47.6 mg/g. The experimental data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters implied that the adsorption process was endothermic. In addition to adsorption of the drug pollutant, the NC demonstrated a superior antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The reusability test also showed that over 79% SMT can be removed using γ-Fe₂O₃/MWCNTs/Ag NC even after four adsorption cycles. Taken together, γ-Fe₂O₃/MWCNTs/Ag NC was proven to be a promising antibacterial nano-adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution Using Black Tea Wastes: Used as Efficient Adsorbent

The biosorbent black tea wastes (BTW) after preliminary treatments was used in this study for the removal of methylene blue (M.B) from aqueous solution. The removal of M.B from aqueous solution was studied as a function of time, initial concentration of M.B temperature, pH, and BTW dosage. The optimum time for equilibration was achieved in 3 min. The optimum dosage of adsorbent was found to be 0.4 g. Various kinetic models were applied to the sorption kinetic data in which the obtained data was best explained by the pseudo-second-order model ( $R^2=0.99$ ) with a rate constant K2 of 0.0714–0.0763 g.mg-1 min-1. Additionally, the calculated amount of adsorption was approximately equal to the experimentally determined value. The isotherm data was best fitted to the Langmuir model rather than the Freundlich model. The intraparticle diffusion model exhibited the process to be diffusion dependent. The various organic functional groups on the surface of BTW played a significant role in the sorption of the selected dye. Consequently, BTW has the prospective to act as a potential sorbent for the removal of other contaminants from aquatic media as well.

Taguchi L25 (54) Approach for Methylene Blue Removal by Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanofiber-Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite

A membrane composed of polyethylene terephthalate nanofiber and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PET NF-MWCNTs) composite is used to adsorb methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques are employed to study the surface properties of the adsorbent. Several parameters affecting dye adsorption (pH, MB dye initial concentration, PET NF-MWCNTs dose, and contact time) are optimized for optimal removal efficiency (R, %) by using the Taguchi L25 (54) Orthogonal Array approach. According to the ANOVA results, pH has the highest contributing percentage at 71.01%, suggesting it has the most significant impact on removal efficiency. The adsorbent dose is the second most affected (12.08%), followed by the MB dye initial concentration of 5.91%, and the least affected is the contact time (1.81%). In addition, experimental findings confirm that the Langmuir isotherm is well-fitted, suggesting a monolayer capping of MB dye on the PET-NF-MWCNT surface with a maximum adsorption capacity of 7.047 mg g−1. Also, the kinetic results are well-suited to the pseudo-second-order model. There is a good agreement between the calculated (qe) and experimental values for the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

The Photocatalytic Performance of Ag-Decorated SiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs) and Binding Ability between Ag NPs and Modifiers

This study demonstrates a method for synthesizing Ag-decorated SiO2 NPs, which combined surface modification and electroless plating. The binding ability between the Ag NPs and modifiers was also investigated for the first time. The resulting products were characterized by electron microscopy and a UV–Visible spectrophotometer, which confirmed that OH− modified composite has the most uniform coating of Ag NPs and the largest Ag elemental composition. The efficiency of degrading methylene blue (MB) under visible light for 60 min was above 99%. The normalized reaction constant also confirmed the experimental results. In brief, this study verifies an optimal surface modifier of the binding ability with Ag NPs and the feasibility of this structure to effectively absorb the solar spectrum and further apply it to the photodegradation reaction.

Adsorption of cationic dyes onto carrageenan and itaconic acid-based superabsorbent hydrogel: Synthesis, characterization and isotherm analysis

Polysaccharide-based hydrogels offer a great overlook for environmental applications and help in the elimination of various noxious pollutants from the water system. Novel carrageenan and itaconic acid-based superadsorbent hydrogel having appreciable swelling properties and adsorption capacity towards Methylene blue (MB), Crystal violet (CV), and Methyl Red (MR) was synthesized by suspension polymerization technique. The swelling study showed the dependency upon the temperature in which the swelling rate increased with increasing temperature with a maximum swelling rate of 417% at 318 K. For ascertaining the maximum adsorption capacity, various influential parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dose, dye concentration, and temperature were systematically studied. Maximum adsorption capacity as calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 2439.02, 1111.11, and 666.68 mg/g for MB, CV, and MR, respectively. Thermodynamic studies revealed the spontaneous nature of the undertaken dye adsorption experiment. Overall, the present study reveals that the synthesized superadsorbent hydrogel can be used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of dyes from an aqueous solution.

NaYF4:Yb3+(58%),Tm3+@NaYF4@Au nanocomposite for 4-nitrophenol ultrasensitive quantitative detection and highly efficient catalytic reduction

NaYF4:Yb3+(58%),Tm3+@NaYF4@Au composite nanomaterials were designed and synthesized through condition optimization for the quantitative detection and catalytic reduction of 4-NP.

Bathurst Burr (Xanthium spinosum) Powder-A New Natural Effective Adsorbent for Crystal Violet Dye Removal from Synthetic Wastewaters

A new natural adsorbent material, Bathurst burr powder, was used to remove crystal violet dye from synthetic wastewaters. Particle size distribution and SEM and FTIR analyses were performed to characterize it. The effect of the operational adsorption process parameters (pH, ionic strength, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, temperature) onto the adsorption process was evaluated in a batch system. Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies were performed in order to understand the adsorption process. Taguchi method and ANOVA test were used to optimize the dye adsorption conditions and to establish the percentage contribution of each factor, respectively. The accuracy of the Taguchi prediction method was analyzed by correlating the predicted dye removal efficiency with the experimentally determined one. The particle size distribution analysis showed that 82.15% of the adsorbent particles have an average size below 0.5 mm. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. Maximum adsorption capacity value (164.10 mg·g⁻¹) was higher compared to many similar adsorbents. The process was endothermic, spontaneous, and favorably involving a physisorption mechanism. The Taguchi method showed that the most influential controllable factor was pH (65% contribution in adsorption efficiency) and the data analysis indicates a very good accuracy of the experimental design (R² = 0.994). The obtained results demonstrated that Bathurst burr powder can be used as a cheap and efficient adsorbent for crystal violet dye removal from aqueous solution.

Preparation of hydrochar with high adsorption performance for methylene blue by co-hydrothermal carbonization of polyvinyl chloride and bamboo

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was blended into bamboo powder during co-hydrothermal carbonization (Co-HTC) to understand the effects on the physicochemical properties and adsorbing ability of hydrochar. The properties of hydrochar were characterized by Zeta potential, elemental analyses, BET, FTIR, XPS, Boehm titration and SEM. The addition of PVC into bamboo in Co-HTC decreased the BET area, and pore volume and radius of hydrochar, but increased the contents of surface hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The adsorption ability of hydrochar produced by addition of PVC at 473 K over methylene blue (MB) increased significantly. The main adsorption mechanism was electrostatic attraction by -N(CH₃)₂⁺ of MB and carboxylate of hydrochar, and hydrogen-bonding interaction through N atom of phenothiazine in MB and C-OH of hydrochar. Thus, Co-HTC offers a facile, green and economical alternative for conversion of waste into high-value adsorbents.

Optimization, Equilibrium and Kinetic Modeling of Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Dry Bean Pods Husks Powder

In this research, dry bean pods husks (DBPH) were used as an adsorbent material after minimum processing (without chemical substances consumption and without thermal treatment) to remove methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent surface characteristics were investigated using SEM and FTIR analysis. For maximum removal efficiency, several parameters that influence the dye adsorption were optimized using the Taguchi method. Equilibrium and kinetic modeling, along with thermodynamic studies, were conducted to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. Taguchi experimental design showed that the factor with the highest influence was the adsorbent dose, with a percent contribution established by the ANOVA analysis of 40.89%. Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model characterizes the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity, 121.16 (mg g⁻¹), is higher than other similar adsorbents presented in scientific literature. Thermodynamic parameters indicate a spontaneous, favorable and endothermic adsorption process, and their values show that physical adsorption is involved in the process. The obtained results, and the fact that adsorbent material is inexpensive and easily available, indicate that DBPH powder represents an effective absorbent for treating waters containing methylene blue. Additionally, the Taguchi method is very suitable to optimize the process.

Preparation and Characterization of Sludge-Based Magnetic Biochar by Pyrolysis for Methylene Blue Removal

The development of low-cost adsorbent is an urgent need in the field of wastewater treatment. In this study, sludge-based magnetic biochar (SMB) was prepared by pyrolysis of sewage sludge and backwashing iron mud without any chemical agents. The samples were characterized by TGA, XRD, ICP, Organic element analysis, SEM, TEM, VSM and BET. Characterization analysis indicated that the magnetic substance in SMB was Fe₃O₄, and the saturation magnetization was 25.60 emu·g^-1, after the adsorption experiment, SMB could be separated from the solution by a magnet. The batch adsorption experiment of methylene blue (MB) adsorption showed that the adsorption capacities of SMB at 298 K, 308 K and 318 K were 47.44 mg·L^-1, 39.35 mg·L^-1, and 25.85 mg·L^-1, respectively. After one regeneration with hydrochloric acid, the maximum adsorption capacity of the product reached 296.52 mg·g^-1. Besides, the adsorption kinetic described well by the pseudo-second order model revealed that the intraparticle diffusion was not just the only rate controlling step in adsorption process. This study gives a reasonable reference for the treatment of sewage sludge and backwashing iron mud. The product could be used as a low-cost adsorbent for MB removal.

Magnesium-Palm Kernel Shell Biochar Composite for Effective Methylene Blue Removal: Optimization via Response Surface Methodology

This study investigates the properties and potential application of Mg-PKS biochar composite for methylene blue solution (MB) adsorption. The Mg-PKS biochar composite was developed from palm kernel shell biochar via steam activation followed by MgSO4 treatment and carbonization. The effect of process parameters such as solution pH (4-10), contact time (30-90 min) and adsorbent dosage (0.1-0.5 g) were investigated via central composite design, response surface methodology. Results revealed that the Mg-PKS biochar composite has irregular shapes pore structure from SEM analysis, a surface area of 674 m2g-1 and average pore diameters of 7.2195 μm based on BET analysis. RSM results showed that the optimum adsorption of MB onto Mg-biochar composite was at pH 10, 30 min contact time and 0.5 g/100 mL dosage with a removal efficiency of 98.50%. In conclusion, Mg treatment is a potential alternative to other expensive chemical treatment methods for biochar upgrading to the adsorbent.

Aspects regarding colour fastness and adsorption studies of a new azo-stilbene dye for acrylic resins

The aim of this study was the colour fastness investigation of the new synthetized direct symmetrical azo-stilbene dye, using two of the film field domain reference tests, namely the wet-scrub and the UV tests. The dye was incorporated in a water-based resin, and then was applied on a PCV foil. The film colour parameters were determined before and after 200 wet-scrub cycles. Further, the dye was mixed with an acrylo-polyurethanic resin and then was applied on an aluminium plate, which was exposed to UV radiation for 414 h. The film colour parameters were recorded periodically. The maxima of the reflectance spectra depend on the UV time exposure. The quality of the film was analysed by the degree of gloss. A second focus was the elimination of the dye's traces from wastewaters (these may be resulted from the industries which apply surface coating methods), using the active carbon powder. The main operational adsorption process parameters influence were investigated. Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies were performed. The adsorption process was confirmed by the CIEL*a*b* colour space analysis. All colour studies were investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Effect of natural geotextile on the cotransport of heavy metals (Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+) and kaolinite particles

A cotransport study of heavy metals and kaolinite particles in sand column with and without flax geotextiles was carried out. The objectives were to evaluate the potential role of kaolinite in heavy metals transfer and to analyse the influence of flax geotextiles on the transfer of these pollutants. The adsorption rates of heavy metals on the kaolinite particles were, respectively, 53%, 65% and 25% for copper, lead, and zinc. The injection of kaolinite with heavy metals resulted in a significant decrease in the retention efficiency of copper and lead in the filter. The presence of kaolinite in the injected solution has virtually no influence on the effectiveness of zinc fixation in the filter. The retention of heavy metals is in the order of Zn > Cu > Pb with a significant drop of retention efficiency of 34% for copper, 67% for lead, and less than 1% for zinc. The presence of kaolinite in the injected solution reversed the retention order of heavy metals when metals solution was injected alone. Flax geotextiles increase the ability of the filter to retain soluble and attached heavy metals. It improves the sand retention capacity and it retains soluble and attached metals in its structure.

Syringa vulgaris leaves powder a novel low-cost adsorbent for methylene blue removal: isotherms, kinetics, thermodynamic and optimization by Taguchi method

In this study, the potential of a new low-cost adsorbent, Syringa vulgaris leaves powder, for methylene blue adsorption from aqueous solution was investigated. The adsorbent surface was examined using SEM and FTIR techniques. The experiments were conducted, in batch system, to find out the effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, temperature and ionic strength on dye adsorption. The process is best described by Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo second order kinetic model. Maximum adsorption capacity, 188.2 (mg g⁻¹), is better than other similar adsorbent materials. Thermodynamic parameters revealed a spontaneous and endothermic process, suggesting a physisorption mechanism. A Taguchi orthogonal array (L₂₇) experimental design was used to determine the optimum conditions for the removal of dye. Various desorbing agents were used to investigate the regeneration possibility of used adsorbent. Results suggest that the adsorbent material is very effective for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions.

Mechanistic understanding of the adsorption and thermodynamic aspects of cationic methylene blue dye onto cellulosic olive stones biomass from wastewater

In the current study, the mechanistic understanding of the adsorption isotherm and thermodynamic aspects of cationic methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption onto cellulosic olive stones biomass from wastewater were investigated. The batch adsorption of MB onto the olive stones (black and green olive stones) was tested at a variety of pH, dye concentrations, temperatures, and biomass particle sizes. The adsorption thermodynamics such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes were also calculated. Moreover, the desorption studies of MB from the spent olive stones were studied to explore the re-usability of the biomasses. The results revealed that under the optimum pH of 10, the maximum MB uptake was achieved i.e. 80.2% for the green olive stones and 70.9% for the black olive stones. The green olive stones were found to be more efficient in remediating higher MB concentrations from water than the black olive stones. The highest MB removal of the green olive stones was achieved at 600 ppm of MB, while the highest MB removal of the black olive stones was observed at 50 ppm of MB. Furthermore, for almost all the concentrations studied (50-1000 ppm), the MB adsorption was the highest at the temperature of 45 °C (P value < 0.05). It was shown by the Fourier transform infrared that the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding were proposed as dominant adsorption mechanisms at basic and acidic pH, respectively. While the hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction was a dominant mechanism at neutral pH. The thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable. Moreover, the real wastewater experiment and the desorption studies showed that the green and black olive stones were a cost-effective and promising adsorbents for MB remediation from wastewater on account of their high adsorption and desorption removal capacities.

Utilization of nano-olive stones in environmental remediation of methylene blue from water

BACKGROUND

The use of agricultural waste as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of hazardous methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution was investigated. In this research, the potentiality of using black nano olive stones (black NOS) and green nano olive stones (green NOS) for MB adsorption was conducted.

METHODS

Various remediation parameters such as initial MB concentration, pH, and temperature were investigated. Thermodynamic study was carried out to determine the homogeneity of the adsorbent and spontaneity of the adsorption process. Different physical and chemical characterizations were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, pore radius and pore volume.

RESULTS

It was found that NOS exhibits an acidic nature, however the highest MB removal efficiency was recorded at pH 10; reaching up to 71%. The negative value of the heat of the adsorption process (∆H ° ) indicated the reaction followed an exothermic pathway while the negative value of Gibbs adsorption (∆G ° ) further suggested its spontaneous nature. The results indicated that the Freundlich model described well the adsorption process with 99.5% correlation coefficient for green NOS. FTIR was used to analyze functional groups on the adsorbents' surfaces that could play vital roles in the remediation process. SEM analysis revealed that the adsorbents comprised of abundant spherical deep cavities and porous nature.

CONCLUSION

The result obtained successfully demonstrated the potential of using black and green NOS as suitable adsorbents for the removal of MB from water.

The tetracyclines removal by MgAl layered double oxide in the presence of phosphate or nitrate: Behaviors and mechanism exploration

Pollution of tetracyclines (TCs) in swine wastewater has been a critical concern worldwide. Notably, multiple anions (e.g. PO₄^3-, NO₃^-) coexist in the actual environments, which could significantly influence the TCs removal. In the current study, MgAl layered double oxide (MgAl-LDO) was adopted for investigating the TC removal performance with/without PO₄^3- or NO₃^-. In all systems, the adsorption performance exhibited two different approaches between low and high TC concentrations. In the single system, pseudo-second-order and the Freundlich model fitted well to the equilibrium adsorption data when TC concentration was below 125 mg·L^-1, while the pseudo-first-order and the linear model could describe the removal process at high TC concentration (>125 mg·L^-1). The maximum adsorption capacity was 83.56 mg·g^-1. In the co-existing system, the adsorption capacity was slightly enhanced when TC concentration below 150 mg·L^-1 however was inhibited at high concentration (>150 mg·L^-1). Combined with the characterization analyses, the interaction mechanism at low concentration was primarily surface adsorption on reconstructed LDH from LDO in the TC-alone system. It is worth mention that both PO₄^3- and NO₃^- facilitated the formation of LDH via rehydration of LDO which enhanced surface adsorption in the co-existing system. At high TC concentration, the formation of tetracycline-metal complexes played a dominant role in TC removal in the single system, whereas diminished complexation in the binary system led to the decreased TC removal. This study provides a theoretical and practical guidance for MgAl-LDO on the efficient remediation of actual tetracyclines wastewater.

High-performance two-dimensional montmorillonite supported-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel for dye removal

High-performance two-dimensional montmorillonite supported-poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel for dye removal was investigated. Montmorillonite cooperated with acrylamide and acrylic acid via polymerization, hydrogen-bond, amidation and electrostatic interactions to form the three-dimensional reticular-structured hydrogel with the free entrance for macromolecules. Adsorption tests revealed that the efficient removal (97%) for methylene blue at high concentration (200 mg/L) could be achieved via a small dose of hydrogel (0.5 g/L) within a short time (20 min). The excellent adsorption performance was profited from the electronegative surface and fully exposed reaction sites of two-dimensional montmorillonite, which could save the treatment cost and promote the removal effect compared with the conventional adsorbents. The adsorption process of methylene blue onto hydrogel could be fitted by both the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics models, and the adsorption isotherm corresponded to the Sips model. The mechanism analysis based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements illustrated that the reaction between carboxyl groups and methylene blue molecules as well as the cation-exchange enabled the hydrogel performing extraordinary adsorption efficiency.

Preparation of activated carbon from Dipterocarpus alatus fruit and its application for methylene blue adsorption

Activated carbons were prepared from three parts of Dipterocarpus alatus fruit (wing, endocarp and pericarp), an abundant and renewable waste in Southeast Asia, by chemical activation using ZnCl₂, FeCl₃, H₃PO₄ and KOH and physical activation using CO₂ and steam. This study indicated that activated carbon prepared from Dipterocarpus alatus fruit could be employed as a promising adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution. ZnCl₂ activation led to an activated carbon with a surface area of 843 m² g⁻¹ and was able to remove methylene blue from aqueous solution. Adsorption studies were performed and analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. Adsorption data demonstrated an excellent fit with the Langmuir isotherm model, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 269.3 mg g⁻¹ at equilibrium. Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models were used in this study to describe the adsorption mechanism. The results show that methylene blue adsorption is pseudo-second order, indicating that liquid film diffusion, intra-particle diffusion and surface adsorption coexisted during methylene blue adsorption on the activated carbon. The activated carbon prepared from Dipterocarpus alatus fruit is a low cost and effective adsorbent with a fast rate for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions when compared with a number of activated carbons studied in the literature.

Activated carbons were prepared from Dipterocarpus alatus fruit by chemical and physical activation and used for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution.

Removal of methylene blue via bioinspired catecholamine/starch superadsorbent and the efficiency prediction by response surface methodology and artificial neural network-particle swarm optimization

This paper demonstrates coupling of the artificial neural network (ANN) technique with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method and compares the performance of ANN-PSO with response surface methodology (RSM) in prediction of the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) by a novel bio-superadsorbent. To this, a starch-based superadsorbent was synthesized using acrylic acid and acryl amid polymers and then catecholamine functional groups were combined onto the surface with oxidative polymerization of dopamine. The adsorption of MB was considered as a function of pH, dye concentration, and contact time. The best topology of the ANN was found to be 3-7-1, and prediction model of the adsorption capacity was demonstrated as a matrix of explicit equations. ANN-PSO is more accurate than RSM. The results revealed that the root-mean-square error, correlation coefficient, and normalized standard deviation for the ANN-PSO are 22.46, 0.99, and 16.83, respectively, while for RSM are 82.89, 0.98, and 65.41, respectively.

Adsorption of methylene blue and Cd(II) onto maleylated modified hydrochar from water

A new carboxylate-functionalized hydrochar (CFHC) was successfully prepared by reaction of hydrochar with maleic anhydride under solvent-free conditions and followed by deprotonating carboxyl group of hydrochar with NaHCO₃ solution. CFHC was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), elemental analysis (EA), zeta potential, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (BET) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and its adsorption properties and mechanisms to methylene blue (MB) and Cd(II) were investigated using the batch method. The isotherm adsorption data were accorded with Langmuir model and the maximum uptakes were 1155.57 and 90.99 mg/g for MB and Cd(II) at the temperature of 303 K, respectively. The joint analysis of batch experiments and characterizations of hydrochar confirmed the π-π interaction was accompanied by electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond for MB adsorption, while the surface complexation and ion exchange were predominant mechanisms for Cd(II) adsorption. Therefore, a highly effective adsorbent CFHC prepared by a simple and environmentally friendly solid-phase synthesis is a promising candidate for wastewater treatment.

Biosorption of Methylene Blue Dye Using Natural Biosorbents Made from Weeds

The purpose of this work is to make use of vegetables that, although widely found in nature, there are few applications. The weeds used here, Cyanthilium cinereum (L.) H. Rob (CCLHR) and Paspalum maritimum (PMT) found in the Amazon region of Belém state of Pará-Brazil, contribute to the problem of water contamination by the removal of the methylene blue dye through the biosorption process, taking advantage of other materials for economic viability and processing. The influences of parameters such as, biosorbent dose, contact time, and initial concentration of dye were examined. The characterizations were realized using SEM to verify the morphology of the material and spectroscopy in the FTIR region. As for the adsorption mechanism, the physical adsorption mechanism prevailed. The time required for the system to reach equilibrium for both biosorbents was from 50 min, following a kinetics described by the pseudo-second order model. The adsorption isotherm data for PMT were better adjusted to the Langmuir model and the biosorption capacity (qmax) value was (56.1798 mg/g). CCLHR was better adjusted to the Freundlich model and its maximum biosorption capacity was 76.3359 mg/g. Thus, these weed species are promising for the biosorption of methylene blue dye in effluents.

Microwave-accelerated sorption of cationic dyes onto green marine algal biomass

Monolithic algal green powder (MAGP) was fabricated based on the marine green macroalga Enteromorpha flexuosa. It was scrutinized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), point of zero charge (PH_PZC), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area. The ability of Enteromorpha flexuosa to capture both crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions was evaluated. The influence of variable conditional parameters on CV dye and MB dye batch sorption was investigated. Results showed that percentage removal of 90.3% and 93.4% were obtained under optimum conditions of variables for CV and MB, respectively. Effect of microwave radiation on dye sorption was also appraised. Processing the sorption under microwave irradiation (microwave-enforced sorption, MES) increases mass transfer and a contact time as low as 1 min is sufficient under optimized conditions (exposure time and power) reaching the equilibrium. The reusability of MAGP sorbent was achieved for four cycles of sorption/desorption by using 0.5 M HCl. The ability of MAGP for cationic dyes removal from spiked tap water and petrochemical plant discharge wastewater samples was successfully registered. Ultimately, the displayed data showed a superior and excellent ability of algal powder to be exploited as a green, harmless, and effective sorbent for cationic dye removal.

Degradation of methylene blue by natural manganese oxides: kinetics and transformation products

In this study, natural manganese oxides (MnO x ), an environmental material with high redox potential, were used as a promising low-cost oxidant to degrade the widely used dyestuff methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. Although the surface area of MnO x was only 7.17 m2 g-1, it performed well in the degradation of MB with a removal percentage of 85.6% at pH 4. It was found that MB was chemically degraded in a low-pH reaction system and the degradation efficiency correlated negatively with the pH value (4-8) and initial concentration of MB (10-50 mg l-1), but positively with the dosage of MnO x (1-5 g l-1). The degradation of MB fitted well with the second-order kinetics. Mathematical models were also built for the correlation of the kinetic constants with the pH value, the initial concentration of MB and the dosage of MnO x . Furthermore, several transformation products of MB were identified with HPLC-MS, which was linked with the bond energy theory to reveal that the degradation was initiated with demethylation.

Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution

Metakaolin-based geopolymers are aluminosilicate materials that can be used as cationic dye adsorbents in aqueous system treatment. Our aim in this paper is to study the ability of geopolymer powder produced from metakaolin and alkaline activators to act as an adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB). The solid materials were systematically analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometery (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and the point of zero charge. XRF, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses confirmed the formation of a geopolymer composite by geopolymerization reaction. The influence of various experimental factors such as geopolymer dosage, pH, initial dye concentration, contact time, and temperature was assessed. Adsorption isotherms were evaluated by Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms. Kinetics data were studied using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models. The thermodynamic parameters, namely, Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°), were determined. The results indicated that the maximum decolorization was found in high pH values. The collected isotherm data were best fitted by the Langmuir isotherm, and the maximum adsorption capacity of dye onto the geopolymer was 43.48 mg/g. The experiment kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The thermodynamic results demonstrated that the adsorption of the obtained material occurs spontaneously as an endothermic process. The results confirmed that the prepared adsorbent can be used for remediation of water contaminated by MB dye.