Preparation and sorption property study of Fe3O4/Al2O3/ZrO2 composite for the removal of cadmium, lead and chromium ions from aqueous solutions

Fe-Al-Zr ternary mixed oxides composite was synthesized via co-precipitation method for the removal Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions. The as-synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope hyphenated with energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. The pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc) of the sorbent and effect of ionic strength on sorption were also determined. The batch tests were conducted to optimize the various sorption parameters such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, speed of agitation and initial metal concentration. The experimental results showed that the adsorbed amounts of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) tend to decrease with increase in pH. Freundlich isotherm model fits better the equilibrium data for the adsorbent. Kinetic data correlated better with both pseudo first order and pseudo second order kinetic models. The spontaneous nature of the adsorption process was also confirmed from thermodynamic grounds. The nanosized adsorbent exhibited an adsorption efficiency of 96.65%, 96.55% and 97.2% for Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Pb(II), respectively, at optimum condition. Experimental results showed that the nanocomposite was effective for the removal of the title heavy metals from aqueous solution.   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(1), 105-121. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i1.10

Preparation and Adsorption Behavior of Ce(III)-MOF for Phosphate and Fluoride Ion Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The discharge of inorganic pollutants like phosphate and fluoride is a cause of mounting concern to the world due to the substantial environmental and human health risk. Adsorption is one of the most common and affordable technologies widely utilized for removing inorganic pollutants such as phosphate and fluoride anions. Investigating efficient sorbents for the adsorption of these pollutants is extremely important and challenging. This work aimed at studying the adsorption efficiency of the Ce(III)-BDC metal-organic framework (MOF) for the removal of these anions from an aqueous solution using a batch mode. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) techniques evidenced the successful synthesis of Ce(III)-BDC MOF in water as a solvent without any energy input within a short reaction time. The outstanding removal efficiency of phosphate and fluoride was exhibited at an optimized pH (3, 4), adsorbent dose (0.20, 0.35 g), contact time (3, 6 h), agitation speed (120, 100 rpm), and concentration (10, 15 ppm) for each ion, respectively. The experiment on the effect of coexisting ions demonstrated that SO₄^2- and PO₄^3- ions are the primary interfering ions in phosphate and fluoride adsorption, respectively, while the HCO₃^- and Cl^- ions were found to have interfered less. Furthermore, the isotherm experiment showed that the equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and the kinetic data correlated well with the pseudo-second-order model for both ions. The results of thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH°, ΔG°, and ΔS° evidenced an endothermic and spontaneous process. The regeneration of the adsorbent made using water and NaOH solution showed the easy regeneration of the sorbent Ce(III)-BDC MOF, which can be reused four times, revealing its potential application for the removal of these anions from aqueous environment.

Trace level enrichment of lead from environmental water samples utilizing dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and quantitative determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was developed and successfully applied, as a sample preconcentration and extraction method, for the determination of trace quantities of lead (Pb) in environmental water samples utilizing graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS). Experimental parameters optimized include; extraction and disperser solvent types and their volumes, pH, extraction period, effect of the co-existing ions and the amount of chelating agent, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC). Under the optimized conditions, enrichment factor of 195 at 5 μg L(-1) level and detection limit of 0.16 μg L(-1) were obtained. Linearity from 25-75 μg L(-1) with R(2) of 0.995 was achieved. The procedure was validated utilizing four environmental water samples at the spiking levels of 10 and 20 μg L(-1) and the corresponding recoveries ranged from 89.6 to 95.1% and 91.6 to 97.1%, respectively, indicating the reliability and applicability of the method for selective extraction of trace level lead.

Impact of source water quality on total organic carbon and trihalomethane removal efficiency in a water treatment plant: A case study of Upper Awash, Ethiopia

This study addresses the limited understanding of factors affecting the efficiency of water treatment plants in reducing trihalomethane (THM) formation through total organic carbon (TOC) removal, highlighting significant challenges in improving treatment effectiveness. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of water quality on the efficiency of water treatment plants to remove TOC and reduce THM formation. Linear regression and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between water quality parameters and THM concentrations. The results showed that there was a negative relationship between turbidity, metals, and TOC concentration with TOC removal efficiency. Positive correlations were found between parameters and the formation of THMs in water. Of these parameters, water temperature was observed to have relatively less influence on THM formation. It was observed that seasonal variations in water quality affect the efficiency of TOC removal and THM content in treated water. THM levels in chlorinated water were found to be within the permissible range of the World Health Organization's drinking water quality guidelines. However, it is still important to maintain continuous monitoring and take measures to reduce THMs. The model demonstrated a strong correlation (R2 = 0.906) between predicted and measured THM values.

Contents and health risk assessments of selected heavy metals in vegetables produced through irrigation with effluent-impacted river

The widely consumed vegetables, khat, lettuce, and Swiss chard, in Hirna town, West Hararghe, Ethiopia, are extensively cultivated through irrigation with an effluent-impacted river that flows through the town which denotes that monitoring the safety of the vegetables is crucial. Herein, the contents of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Cd in vegetables, water, and soils were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after a wet digestion procedure based on a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4 at 200 °C. pH and electrical conductivity of the water and soil, and health risks associated with vegetable consumption were determined. The pH of the water (6.64) and soil (6.67) was slightly acidic, and electrical conductivity values were 0.416 and 0.024 mS/cm, respectively, indicating both are in good condition. The metal concentrations were in the range of ND-3.12, 3.43-9.22, and 0.15-10.6 mg/L in the water, soil, and vegetables, respectively, and the contents followed a trend of Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd. The irrigation water contained all metals above the guidelines except Cd, and the soil contained safe levels except Cd which is above the guideline. The obtained metal levels in the vegetables were below the safe limits. Estimated daily intakes and the total target cancer risks were below the guidelines, and the target hazard quotient and the hazard index were below 1 indicating that the vegetables are safe for consumption. In general, the obtained results suggest that the vegetables are safe for consumption. However, continuous monitoring and policy development are required to mitigate contamination of the river.

Plasmon-based colorimetric assay using green synthesized gold nanoparticles for the detection of bisphenol A

Herein, we report a green synthesized gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) based colorimetric detection of bisphenol A (BPA). The AuNPs were synthesized using khat leaf extract as a reducing agent by optimizing factors affecting the AuNPs synthesis, including gold precursor concentration (1 mM), and reaction temperature (60 °C). The AuNPs characterization was carried out using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy, and it was found spherical with an average particle size of 17.3 ± 3.7 nm. A colorimetric nanosensor was developed by conjugation of bio-inspired AuNPs with BPA-specific aptamer for a quick and easy detection of BPA in plastic bottled water. The colorimetric assay relies on the strong affinity of BPA for aptamer, which causes detachment of the aptamer from the AuNPs surface in the presence of BPA inducing AuNPs aggregation. To achieve the colorimetric detection of BPA, the concentrations of NaCl and aptamer were optimized. The detection of BPA was monitored visually using a naked eye, as well as quantitatively using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The method visual limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 0.1 ng/mL and reached 0.09 ng/mL using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The method demonstrated very good linearity (R2 = 0.9986) in the range of 0.1-100 ng/mL. The proposed method showed high sensitivity to BPA detection in plastic bottled water with 86.7-98.0%, recovery. Therefore, the proposed colorimetric nanosensor can be used for determination of BPA in plastic bottled waters with reliable performance at lower concentrations.

Taddesse A, Teju E. Al2O3/Fe3O4/ZrO2 ternary oxide sorbent: Synthesis, characterization and sorption behavior to fluoride and phosphate ions from aqueous solution

ABSTRACT. Excess quantities of fluoride and phosphate in water bodies can lead to fluorosis and eutrophication problems, respectively. In search of a promising adsorbent targeting these ions, Fe3O4/Al2O3/ZrO2 ternary oxide was synthesized via co-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmer-Teller (BET). Its specific surface area was found to be 205 m2/g. The effects of solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, agitation speed and initial fluoride and phosphate concentrations were also investigated and the optimum values were 4, 0.5 g, 12 h, 100 rpm and 20 mg/L, respectively, for fluoride and 5, 0.1 g, 8 h, 100 rpm and 10 mg/L, respectively, for phosphate. Fluoride and phosphate adsorptions fitted well with Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively and their kinetic data correlated well with the pseudo-second order model. Desorbability study revealed that maximum desorption was achieved at pH 12. Thermodynamics study on the other hand showed that adsorption of fluoride was nonspontaneous and endothermic whereas that of phosphate was spontaneous and exothermic. Application on real water sample decreased the concentration of fluoride from 4.92 to 1.97 mg/L in ground water and phosphate from 1.7 to 0.35 mg/L lake water showing its potential as a promising adsorbent.   KEY WORDS: Adsorption, Fluoride, Phosphate, Ternary oxide sorbent, Isotherm models   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 555-569.                                                               DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.6                                                          

Ketema T, Teju E. Cellulose acetate-Sn(IV) molybdophosphate: A biopolymer supported composite Exchanger for the removal of selected heavy metal ions

Cellulose acetate-tin(IV) molybdophosphate (CATMP) composite exchanger was prepared by mixing biopolymer celluloseacetate with its inorganic counterpart tin(IV) molybdophosphate (TMP) using sol‑gel method. The physical characterization of the as synthesized exchanger was carried out by FTIR, XRD, BET, TGA-DTG and SEM-EDX techniques. Chemical properties such as ion exchange capacity, chemical stability, pH and distribution behavior were carried out. The average IEC of the composite material, as determined by batch equilibrium, was found to be 2.43 meq/g for Na+ ion; higher than its inorganic counterpart, i.e. 1.41 meq/g. This exchanger was also found to be stable in water, acids and organic solvents, but unstable in basic medium. The distribution study (Kd) of the exchanger in different solvent systems showed promising separation potential of the exchanger towards metal ions of analytical interest from a given mixture of toxic heavy metal ions. The sorption studies revealed that the material was selective for Cr(III) and Cd(II) ions and moderately selective for Co(II) ion in solvents employed in this work. Its selectivity was examined by achieving some important binary separations of metal cations on its column indicating its promising application in environmental pollution abatement.                     KEY WORDS: Cation exchanger, Biopolymer, Organic-inorganic hybrid, Sol–gel method, Binary distribution   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(2), 259-276 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i2.5

Magnetic Fe3O4 /Al2O3 /MnO2 ternary nanocomposite: Synthesis and characterization for phosphorus desorption from acidic soils using dialysis membrane tube

Monitoring phosphorus fertilization is crucial for controlling the concentration of biologically available soil P. Over the years, several methodologies have been used, including successive cropping in a greenhouse or field, as well as extractions employing P sink procedures. The latter procedures are ideal laboratory experiments to show the soil's ability to supply P and to explore the P-residual release kinetics. Following these methodologies, long-term P desorption studies have been developed using dialysis membrane tubes filled with nanomaterial solutions. In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite (Fe3O4/Al2O3/MnO2) was synthesized and characterized utilizing cutting-edge instruments such as XRD, FTIR, FAAS, BET, SEM, and EDX. The resulting material had a crystalline size and surface area of 22.75 nm and 203.69 m2/g, respectively, and was employed for long-term P-desorption and kinetics experiments while filled in dialysis membrane tubes. The P-desorption experiment was conducted on four separate acidic soil samples that were cultured for 122 days with four different P concentrations. The findings demonstrated a direct relationship between P-desorbed and P-treatment, as well as with desorption time. The minimum desorption was obtained from the control of Boji Dirmaji soil P0 (1.16-9.36) and the highest desorption from Nedjo soil with P3 (5.23-30.35 mg/kg) treatment over 1-28 days. The rate of P release from soil to solution or diffusion through the membrane was determined by pseudo-first-order kinetics with a rate constant (0.021-0.028 hr-1). This method has the potential to measure fixed-P availability by mimicking it as a plant would, with high P-desorption efficiency and quick P-release capacity.

The non-edible and disposable parts of oyster mushroom, as novel adsorbent for quantitative removal of atrazine and its degradation products from synthetic wastewater

In this study, the non-edible part of oyster mushroom was utilized for quantitative removal of the most commonly used s-triazine herbicide; atrazine and its breakdown products including deethylatrazine (DEA), hydroxyatrazine (ATOH) and deisopropylatrazine (DIA) from aqueous samples. The functional groups available on the oyster mushroom were studied applying FTIR before and after adsorption. Experimental parameters influencing the uptake process including acidity, sorbent mass, sorption time, initial analyte quantities, and agitation speed were analysed and the maximum removal was found at 4, 0.3 g, 120 min, 0.5 mg L-1, and 150 rpm, respectively. Accordingly, the adsorption capacities of 0.994, 1.113, 0.991 and 1.016 mg g-1 were obtained for DIA, DEA, ATOH and atrazine, respectively. The adsorption characteristics were discussed utilizing Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The fundamental characteristic of the Langmuir isotherm, which can be elaborated using separation factor or equilibrium parameter, RL, and coefficient of variation, R2, were (0.761, 0.996), (0.884, 0.975), (0.908, 0.983) and (0.799, 0.984) for DIA, DEA, ATOH and Atrazine, respectively. These findings showed that all analytes' adsorption processes were fitted well to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, indicating that the adsorbent surface was covered in a monolayer. The kinetics was also evaluated using the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order models. The coefficient of determination, r2, were found to be 0.09703, 0.9989, 0.9967 and 0.9998 for DIA DEA, ATOH and atrazine, respectively, for pseudo-second order, signifying that, all analytes were found to follow the pseudo-second order rate model showing that the rate limiting step is chemisorption in the sorption process. Based on these findings, the non-edible and disposable part of the oyster mushrooms can be utilized as a preferred alternative biosorbent for the uptake of the target compounds analysed and other pollutants possessing comparable physicochemical characteristics occurring in various water bodies.