Efficient removal of sertraline hydrochloride from wastewater using banana peels functionalized: performance adsorption, mechanisms and applicability

The presence of sertraline hydrochloride (SER) has been detected in water bodies and wastewater, which encourages the search for alternative treatments for its control and removal. Agro-industrial residues are considered efficient adsorbents and functionalization with magnetic nanoparticles improve the adsorptive properties of these materials, in addition to facilitating their separation from a fluid by an external magnetic field. Thus, this study developed and characterized a new material via the functionalization of the banana peel with iron oxide nanoparticles (BANFunc) for the adsorption of SER in batch experiments. Physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques indicated that the BANFunc functionalization method was effective and improved the adsorption capacity (0.68 and 39.96 mg g-1 for BANPure and BANFunc, respectively). The adsorption studies revealed a maximum adsorptive capacity of 142.85 mg g-1 at 240 min and 318 K. Furthermore, the process presented spontaneous and endothermic behaviour, with a better fit to the pseudo-first-order and Langmuir models for the kinetic and isothermal, respectively. The reuse of the biosorbent was effective for five cycles, and even in the 3rd cycle, the adsorbent showed more than 80% SER removal. The adsorption process can be explained by hydrogen bonds and π-interactions. In the synthetic mixture treatment, the biosorbent demonstrated a satisfactory removal rate, of 86.91%, and individual removals of 83.23%, 89.36% and 88.15% for SER, safranine orange and chloroquine, respectively. Therefore, BANFunc is a promising material for large-scale applications, considering its sustainable character and high treatment efficiency.

Evaluation of hydrochar from peach stones for caffeine removal from aqueous medium and treatment of a synthetic mixture

The presence of micropollutants, such as caffeine (CAF), has been detected throughout the world, since conventional treatment plants are not able to properly degrade them. CAF is a widely consumed stimulant, and has been demanding the development of efficient methodologies for its removal. Aiming at the agriculture waste valorization, a new hydrochar was developed based on chemical and thermal modification of peach stones (mod-PS) for CAF removal from water and from a synthetic mixture. The morphology, functional groups and surface electrical charge of the adsorbent were characterized by SEM, FTIR and zeta potential, respectively. Regarding CAF adsorption performance, the equilibrium time was reached at 480 min and the pseudo-second-order model presented the best fit for the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity was 68.39 mg g-1 (298 K) and the Langmuir model exhibited a better fit for the isothermal data. The thermodynamic properties confirmed that the process was exothermic, spontaneous and reversible. The main adsorption mechanisms were hydrogen bonds and π-interactions. The global removal efficiency was satisfactory in the synthetic mixture simulating real wastewater (67%). Therefore, the proposed new hydrochar has potential application as a low-cost adsorbent for CAF removal.

Synthesis of a novel functionalized biosorbent from mango stone and its application in the pharmaceutical's removal from water and a synthetic mixture

This paper explores the feasibility of functionalizing mango stones with iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MS-Fe3O4) by coprecipitation in batch adsorption processes. The synthesized material was characterized and applied in chloroquine (CQN) and sertraline hydrochloride (SER) removal from contaminated waters. The biosorbent was subjected to a regenerative study and treatment using a synthetic mixture of contaminants to evaluate its applicability in real effluents. The biosorbent was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy images, scanning electron microscopy, dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and zeta potential to characterize its chemical and morphology properties. The techniques applied showed the effectiveness of the proposed modification. In the adsorption experiments, the optimal adsorbent dosage was 0.01 g for both contaminants. The pH strongly influenced the adsorption of the drugs on MS-Fe3O4, and the best results were obtained in the pH range of 5-6. Kinetic data showed a better fit to the pseudo-second-order model, and the equilibrium time was achieved in 16 h for CQN and 4 h for SER. Isotherm studies revealed maximum adsorptive capacities of 49.42 and 64.79 mg g-1, respectively, for CQN and SER, at 318 K, demonstrating that the increase in temperature is a favorable factor, and the Sips model better describes the process. The thermodynamic parameters indicate an endothermic (ΔH° >0), spontaneous (ΔG° <0), and reversible (ΔS° >0) nature of the adsorption. This process is essentially governed by physical forces, such as hydrogen and π-π bonds. However, it is also valid to consider the presence of electrostatic forces due to the ionizing nature of CQN and SER. The MS-Fe3O4 biosorbent showed good performance when evaluated in a synthetic mixture of four contaminants, with an overall removal efficiency of approximately 86% and the regenerative capacity of three reusing cycles.

Investigation of Citrus reticulata peels as an efficient and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of safranin orange dye

Safranin orange (SO) is a cationic dye widely used in industrial sectors. It becomes a threat to the aquatic ecosystem once it reaches water resources, directly affecting photosynthetic activity and dissolved oxygen rate. In view of this scenario and considering the large production of agro-industrial waste, which provides significant disposal costs and environmental impacts, the agricultural by-products such as mandarin peels (MP) are being used as biosorbent materials. Thus, this work proposed the use of MP for SO adsorption. The material was characterized by SEM, zeta potential, and FTIR analysis, in which it was possible to verify heterogeneous porous morphology, predominantly negative surface, and organic functional groups that facilitate adsorption. The results were promising, wherein the maximum adsorption capacity was 464 mg g^-1 (318 K), 0.4 g L^-1 adsorbent concentration, 120 min equilibrium time and removal percentage of 84.75%. The experimental data showed a better fit to the Langmuir and pseudo-second order mathematical models. The thermodynamic analysis inferred spontaneous, endothermic, and reversible character for SO adsorption onto MP. The main proposed adsorptive mechanisms were hydrogen bonds, π-interactions, and electrostatic interactions. In addition, the reuse of MP showed good efficiency since the adsorption capacity was maintained above 50% after four cycles (from 77.90 to 41.55 mg g^-1). Moreover, when evaluating the effect of pH and ionic strength, it verified that the adsorption efficiency was not reduced. Therefore, when compared with other materials, the versatility and potential applicability of MP as a low-cost adsorbent for wastewater treatment is notable.

Investigation of two new low-cost adsorbents functionalized with magnetic nanoparticles for the efficient removal of triclosan and a synthetic mixture

Triclosan (TCS) is widely used in the production of antibacterial products, being often found in wastewater. Therefore, this study developed new materials via soybean hulls (SBH_F) and açaí seeds (AÇS_F) functionalization with iron oxide nanoparticles to be applied in the TCS adsorption. The characterization confirmed the functionalization of the materials. The adsorption results indicated that the equilibrium of the process occurred after 480 and 960 min for SBH_F and AÇS_F, respectively. The maximum adsorptive capacity values were 158.35 and 155.09 mg g^-1 for SBH_F and AÇS_F, respectively, at 318 K. The kinetic and isothermal data better fitted to the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. Thermodynamics indicated that the processes had an endothermic, spontaneous, and reversible character. The main adsorption mechanisms were H-bond and π-interactions. The pH and ionic strength studies indicated that the adsorption efficiency has not been reduced pronouncedly. The biosorbents reuse was effective for five cycles. In the synthetic mixture, the removal rate was satisfactory (92.53% and 57.02%, respectively for SBH_F and AÇS_F)_. These results demonstrate the biosorbents high potential for large-scale application.

Application of activated carbon functionalized with graphene oxide for efficient removal of COVID-19 treatment-related pharmaceuticals from water

Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has been increasing the consumption of some drugs, such as chloroquine (CQN) and dipyrone (DIP), which are continuously discharged into water resources through domestic sewage treatment systems. The presence of these drugs in water bodies is worrisome due to their high toxicity, which makes crucial their monitoring and removal, especially by means of advanced technologies. Given this scenario, a new adsorbent material was synthesized through the combination of babassu coconut activated carbon and graphene oxide (GAC-GO). This study was evaluated in batch adsorption processes, aiming at the treatment of water contaminated with CQN and DIP. Characterization analyzes using physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques indicated that the GAC-GO functionalization was successfully performed. The equilibrium time of the adsorption process was 18 and 12 h for CQN and DIP, respectively. Kinetic and isothermal data better fitted to pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models for both drugs. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the process is endothermic and the maximum adsorption capacities of CQN and DIP were 37.65 and 62.43 mg g-1, respectively, both at 318 K. The study of the effect of ionic strength, which simulates a real effluent, demonstrated that the synthesized adsorbent has potential application for the treatment of effluents. Furthermore, satisfactory removal rates were verified for the removal of other contaminants in both simple solutions and synthetic mixtures, evidencing the versatile profile of the adsorbent.

Advanced graphene oxide-based membranes as a potential alternative for dyes removal: A review

Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the most well-known graphene derivatives which, due to its outstanding chemical, electrical and optical properties as well as its high oxygen content, has been recently applied in several fields such as in the construction of sensors, as antimicrobial agent for biomedical applications, as well as nanofiller material for membranes applied in wastewater treatment. In this last-mentioned field, the synthesis and functionalization of membranes with GO has proven to improve the performance of membranes applied in the treatment of wastewater containing dyes, regarding antifouling behavior, selectivity and flux. In this review, an overview of water pollution caused by effluents containing synthetic dyes, the advantages and limitations of GO-based membranes and the latest research advances on the use of GO-based membranes for dyes removal, including its impact on membrane performance, are discussed in detail. The future panorama of the applicability of GO-based membranes for the treatment of water contaminated by dyes is also provided.

Bisfenol A adsorption using a low-cost adsorbent prepared from residues of babassu coconut peels

Nowadays, the occurrence of microcontaminants in water resources has become a worldwide concern. Among them, it can be mentioned Bisphenol A, a substance widely used in the chemical composition of plastic such as manufacture of packages, bottles, toiletries, among others. Its use may cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. Thus, a treatment is necessary to remove this compound and adsorption is an interesting alternative due to its low cost, operation and high efficiency. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the adsorption capacity of bisphenol in babassu activated carbon. The obtained results were satisfactory and the best experimental conditions were at 318 K temperature, 1 g L^-1 adsorbent concentration and 720 min equilibrium time, resulting in the maximum adsorptive capacity of 49.61 mg g^-1. The experimental data fit best with the pseudo-second order and Langmuir models for the kinetic and equilibrium studies, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters indicated endothermic, spontaneous and reversible process. The main adsorption mechanisms were hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions. In addition, the material regeneration study allowed to verify its possibility of reuse. Therefore, it was noticed that babassu activated carbon has high potential applicability in the treatment of contaminated water.