Selective adsorption of Hg(ii) with diatomite-based mesoporous materials functionalized by pyrrole-thiophene copolymers: condition optimization, application and mechanism

Effective elimination of Hg(II) from water bodies with acid-modified magnetic biomass spent coffee grounds: conditional optimization and application

To maximize the efficiency of biomass waste utilization and waste management, a novel acid-modified magnetic biomass spent coffee grounds (NiFe2O4/SCG) was obtained by pyrolysis at 473 K and co-precipitation methods and employed to eliminate bivalent mercury (Hg(II)) in water bodies. The prepared NiFe2O4/SCG adsorbent exhibits remarkable magnetism with a strength of 45.78 emu/g and can easily be separated from water via a magnetic force. The adsorption of Hg(II) over the NiFe2O4/SCG has an optimal conditions of pH = 8, T = 39 ℃, and dosage of 0.055 g/L, and the maximal adsorption capacity for Hg(II) is 167.44 mg/g via Response Surface Methodology optimization. The removal of Hg(II) over NiFe2O4/SCG primarily involves ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and chelation; conforms to the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models; and is an endothermic reaction. Additionally, the magnetic biomass NiFe2O4/SCG has good regeneration capability and stability. The application research reveal that inorganic salt ions, nitrogen fertilizer urea, humus, and other contaminants in different actual water bodies (river water, lake water, and the effluent of sewage treatment plant) have little effect on the adsorption of Hg(II) over the NiFe2O4/SCG. The prepared adsorbent NiFe2O4/SCG has practical application value for removing Hg(II) from water bodies.

Chitosan-nano CuO composite for removal of mercury (II): Box-Behnken design optimization and adsorption mechanism

The study aimed to develop an adsorbent for extracting mercury (II) from water by combining chitosan beads with green copper oxide nanoparticles. This resulted in the synthesis of the CuO NPs@CSC composite sponge, achieved by loading CuO NPs onto citrate-crosslinked chitosan (CSC). Characterization involved X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The BET method confirmed a higher surface area of the adsorbent at 285.55 m2/g, suggesting its potential for effective mercury (II) removal from water. This research aligns with broader efforts in environmental science and nanotechnology to create advanced materials for water purification. The characterization techniques ensure the suitability of the synthesized material for its intended application, and the significant surface area enhances its capacity for contaminant adsorption. The study investigated the impact of adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial Hg (II) concentration on mercury (II) adsorption. Results showed a fit with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Using the Dubinin-Radushkevich model (adsorption energy: 22.74 kJ mol-1), chemisorption was identified. Notably, the adsorption process was found to be endothermic, indicating that higher temperatures led to increased removal capacity and related parameters. This temperature influence was explored systematically. Additionally, the study concluded that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous, evidenced by a positive entropy change. This analysis contributes valuable insights into the thermodynamics and kinetics of mercury (II) adsorption in the studied system. The CuO NPs@CSC composite sponge achieved an impressive adsorption capacity of 672 mg/g. Even after five consecutive cycles, it maintained strong adsorption capabilities with 84.5 % removal efficiency. Remarkably, over six reuse cycles, there were no observable changes in chemical composition, and XRD peaks remained consistent before and after each cycle. The study delved into the interaction mechanism between the CuO NPs@CSC composite sponge and heavy metals. Utilizing the Box-Behnken design (BBD), the adsorption process was optimized for enhanced efficiency.

Preparation of food active packaging materials based on calcium hydroxide and modified porous medium for reducing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor

Carbon dioxide and kimchi odor compounds, formed during fermentation, negatively affect the long-distance distribution of commercial kimchi. To address these issues, in this study, we modified different porous media (activated carbon, bleaching earth, diatomite, and zeolite) using sodium bicarbonate and silver (Ag) ions. Functional sheets were prepared using linear low-density polyethylene, calcium hydroxide, a porous medium, and a blowing agent. Various prepared porous media and sheets were effective in removing acetic acid, sulfur compounds (allyl methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, allyl methyl disulfide, and diallyl disulfide), and carbon dioxide. Porous media with micropores exhibited a sulfur compound removal efficiency of 43.5%-99.4%, while no effect was observed on acetic acid removal. However, porous media with mesopores showed an acetic acid removal efficiency of 42.3%-90.7%, with no reduction in sulfur compounds removal. The impregnation of porous materials with sodium bicarbonate significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the acetic acid removal activity. Ag modification improved the sulfur compound removal of the mesoporous bleaching earth and diatomite statistically (p < 0.05). Additionally, the incorporation of sodium bicarbonate-impregnated mesoporous media significantly improved carbon dioxide removal, reducing concentrations from 25.97% to 14.27% with respect to the control group. Our functional food packaging materials can solve the current issues in kimchi distribution by removing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor without affecting its quality. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Food active packaging materials containing calcium hydroxide and modified porous medium are effective in removing carbon dioxide and kimchi odor (acetic acid and sulfur compounds). The removal of carbon dioxide and kimchi odor, which adversely affect the distribution and sale of commercial kimchi, can help solve the current issues with kimchi distribution without affecting its quality.