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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new technologies for water and wastewater treatment is a growing need due to the occurrence of micropollutants, such as dyes, in water resources. In this sense, green-synthesized nanoparticles are being extensively studied, due to their low cost, non-toxicity, and high efficiency in adsorption processes. Thus, the present study reports the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP), obtained from pomegranate (Punica granatum) leaf extract, employed for the removal of Safranin-O (SO) dye. CuO-NP was characterized by physicochemical analysis. These analyzes suggested that the redox process occurred efficiently. Also, the material presented interesting elements for the removal of cationic dyes such as negative surface charge, high specific surface area, and predominance of mesopores. The kinetic data fitted the pseudo-second-order model, reaching equilibrium in 480 min. The equilibrium study resulted in a maximum adsorption capacity of 189.54 mg g−1 at 298 K and the experimental data best fitted the Langmuir model. The effect of pH and ionic strength did not present significant changes, which demonstrates an advantage of this adsorbent over other materials. The regeneration study allowed to verify the possibility of reuse CuO-NP, since after 4 cycles the adsorption capacity was 44% of the initial value. Considering the results found, CuO-NP has a high potential for applicability in the treatment of water contaminated by dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]