Search

Nickel contamination in water is a critical issue due to its toxicity and persistence. This study presents a novel magnetic resin, developed by modifying Lewatit® MonoPlus TP 207 with magnetite nanoparticles, to enhance adsorption capacity and facilitate efficient separation. A Definitive Screening Design (DSD) was employed to identify and optimize key parameters affecting nickel adsorption, including pH, resin dosage, initial nickel concentration, and the presence of competing ions (calcium and magnesium). The DSD analysis revealed that pH and magnesium concentration were the most significant factors influencing nickel removal. Optimal conditions were determined as pH 7, 270 min contact time, resin dosage of 0.5 mL/L, initial nickel concentration of 110 µg/L, calcium concentration of 275 mg/L, and magnesium concentration of 52.5 mg/L, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 99.21%. The magnetic resin exhibited enhanced adsorption capacity and faster kinetics compared to the unmodified resin, leading to more efficient nickel removal. Moreover, its magnetic properties facilitated rapid separation from treated water, offering practical advantages for real-world applications. This study demonstrates the effective use of DSD in optimizing adsorption parameters and underscores the potential of magnetic resin as a sustainable and efficient adsorbent for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates, for the first time, the effects of UV/PMS and UV/H2O2/PMS processes on the degradation of sunscreen agents in synthetic and natural water matrices and compares their effectiveness with the more conventional UV/H2O2. Investigations were conducted using a mixture of organic UV filters containing 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate. Among the investigated UV-driven AOPs, UV/PMS/H2O2 was the most effective in synthetic water, while in natural water, the highest degradation rate was observed during the degradation of EHMC by UV/PMS. The degradation of UV filters in the UV/PMS system was promoted by sulfate radical (68% of the degradation), with hydroxyl radical contributing approximately 32%, while both radical species contributed approximately equally to the degradation in the UV/H2O2/PMS system. The Vibrio fischeri assay showed an increase in inhibition (up to 70%) at specific stages of UV/H2O2 treatment when applied to natural water, which further decreased to 30%, along with an increase in UV fluence and progressive degradation. The Pseudomonas putida test recorded minor toxicity (<15%) after treatments. Magnetic biochar utilized in conjunction with UV-driven AOPs exhibited superior performance in eliminating residual contaminants, providing an efficient and sustainable approach to mitigate sunscreen agents in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]