Taguchi L16 optimization approach for simultaneous removal of Cs+ and Sr2+ ions by a novel scavenger

Taguchi method for optimization of Cr(VI) removal, isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

In this study, Taguchi optimization method was applied to determine the optimum operating conditions for batch adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. Initial pH of solution, adsorbent dose, initial hexavalent chromium concentration, contact time and adsorbent type were selected as the variables, and the removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was chosen for the designated response. L18(35) orthogonal array, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance statistical procedures were applied to identify the effect of each operating parameter on the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio results showed that the optimal combination for Cr(VI) removal was at pH 1.0, adsorbent dose of 3.6 g.L-1, Cr(VI) concentration of 30 mg.L-1, contact time of 95 min and olive leaves as adsorbent type. A removal of 95.09% was obtained at these optimum conditions. The analysis of variance of the data revealed that initial pH of solution was the most dominant parameter affecting Cr(VI) removal efficiency, followed by adsorbent type, adsorbent dose, contact time and initial metal concentration. Under optimal conditions, adsorption kinetic of Cr(VI) was studied and modeled using the pseudo first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. It was found that the pseudo-second-order model fitted the adsorption data most with the highest determination coefficient (R2 = 0.996). Freundlich isotherm model, with regression coefficient R2 of 0.953, fit well with the equilibrium isotherm data. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 62.5 mg.g-1. The experimental values of ΔH°, ΔG° and ΔS° revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic.

New Process for the Sulfonation of Algal/PEI Biosorbent for Enhancing Sr(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions-Application to Seawater

Sulfonic resins are highly efficient cation exchangers widely used for metal removal from aqueous solutions. Herein, a new sulfonation process is designed for the sulfonation of algal/PEI composite (A*PEI, by reaction with 2-propylene-1-sulfonic acid and hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid). The new sulfonated functionalized sorbent (SA*PEI) is successfully tested in batch systems for strontium recovery first in synthetic solutions before investigating with multi-component solutions and final validation with seawater samples. The chemical modification of A*PEI triples the sorption capacity for Sr(II) at pH 4 with a removal rate of up to 7% and 58% for A*PEI and SA*PEI, respectively (with SD: 0.67 g L^-1). FTIR shows the strong contribution of sulfonate groups for the functionalized sorbent (in addition to amine and carboxylic groups from the support). The sorption is endothermic (increase in sorption with temperature). The sulfonation improves thermal stability and slightly enhances textural properties. This may explain the fast kinetics (which are controlled by the pseudo-first-order rate equation). The sulfonated sorbent shows a remarkable preference for Sr(II) over competitor mono-, di-, and tri-valent metal cations. Sorption properties are weakly influenced by the excess of NaCl; this can explain the outstanding sorption properties in the treatment of seawater samples. In addition, the sulfonated sorbent shows excellent stability at recycling (for at least 5 cycles), with a loss in capacity of around 2.2%. These preliminary results show the remarkable efficiency of the sorbent for Sr(II) removal from complex solutions (this could open perspectives for the treatment of contaminated seawater samples).

Sorption of Palladium(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Diphenylthiocarbazone Immobilized onto Kieselguhr

Kieselguhr was immobilized with diphenylthiocarbazone (dithizone) and utilized as a new sorbent to extract palladium ions from an aqueous solution. The physicochemical features of the immobilized kieselguhr (K–Dz) were specified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis. The average crystal size of the prepared material was found to be 24.41 nm. The sorption potential of the immobilized kieselguhr for the extraction of Pd(II) and La(III) in a batch mode was studied. The effects of pH, shaking time as well as the initial concentration of metals have been examined. The results demonstrate that the optimum pH was found to be 4.5 and the equilibrium was attained within 15.0 min. The adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Sips isothermal model with a maximum sorption capacity of 20.3 (mg/g). Thermodynamic parameters of the studied metal ions show that the process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The desorption process of Pd(II) was highly managed using acidified thiourea giving a desorption percent of approximately 80.0%. The separation possibility of Pd(II) from some metal ions such as La(III) was achieved successfully. The developed (K–Dz) composite method was applied for the recovery and separation of Pd(II) and other metal ions from a simulated automotive catalyst leachate solution. The results indicated that the (K–Dz) composite has a good reusability potential.

Utilization of synthetic nano-cryptomelane for enhanced scavenging of cesium and cobalt ions from single and binary solutions

The feasibility of using nano-cryptomelane for elimination of cobalt and cesium metal ions from their single and binary solutions was studied. In this respect, the material was prepared and characterized to confirm its chemical composition and structure. Results illustrate that the synthesized nano-cryptomelane has a tunnel structure with particle size ranged between 4 and 6 nm. The material feasibility was detected by conducting a series of batch experiments for determination of the kinetic and equilibrium performance of the removal process. All characteristic Raman bands for Mn–O lattice vibrations within the (2 × 2) tunnel structure of MnO6 octahedral are observed which confirm formation of nano-cryptomelane. The specific surface area (SSA) for nano-cryptomelane was calculated and equal to 299.03 m2/g while the surface fractal information (Ds) was2.53. The process sensitivity to changes of H+ concentration is attributed to changes in structural elements-species distribution at the solid/aqueous interface. The pH optimum value was desired at pH 5 for exchange of Cs+ and/or Co2+ with K+ ions. The equilibrium studies show that Langmuir isotherm model was more fitted to the experimental data than that of Freundlich model.

Applications of Nano-Zeolite in Wastewater Treatment: An Overview

Nano-zeolite is an innovative class of materials that received recognition for its potential use in water and tertiary wastewater treatment. These applications include ion-exchange/sorption, photo-degradation, and membrane separation. The aim of this work is to summarize and analyze the current knowledge about the utilization of nano-zeolite in these applications, identify the gaps in this field, and highlight the challenges that face the wide scale applications of these materials. Within this context, an introduction to water quality, water and wastewater treatment, utilization of zeolite in contaminant removal from water was addressed and linked to its structure and the advances in zeolite preparation techniques were overviewed. To have insights into the trends of the scientific interest in this field, an in-depth analysis of the variation in annual research distribution over the last decade was performed for each application. This analysis covered the research that addressed the potential use of both zeolites and nano-zeolites. For each application, the characterization, experimental testing schemes, and theoretical analysis methodologies were overviewed. The results of the most advanced research were collected, summarized, and analyzed to allow an easy visualization and comparison of these research results. Finally, the gaps and challenges that face these applications are concluded.

Assessment of POFA -Cementitious material as backfill barrier in DSRS borehole disposal: 226Ra confinement

Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) borehole disposal is an innovative concept recommended by international atomic energy agency (IAEA) to improve the safety and security of the management end point for these sources. A green application of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as a supplementary material for cementitious backfill barrier in DSRS borehole disposal facility is proposed. Samples with up to 50% POFA replacement complied with the mechanical and hydraulic performance requirements for backfill barriers in retrievable radioactive waste disposal facilities. The structures of one year old OPC and optimum OPC-POFA cement backfills were evaluated using FESEM, XRD, EDXRF, BET, and TGA and their ²²⁶ Ra confinement performances were assessed. 30% POFA replacement improved the geochemical conditions by reducing competitive Ca²⁺ release into the disposal environment. It enhanced ²²⁶Ra confinement performance independently on the amount of water intrusion or releases below 2% of 1 Ci source. The improved performance is attributed to the higher fraction of active sites of OPC-POFA backfill compared to that of OPC backfill. ²²⁶Ra sorption onto C-S-H is irreversible, spontaneous, endothermic, and independent on the degree of the surface filling. The provided experimental data and theoretical analysis proved the feasibility of this green use of POFA in reducing the radiological hazard of ²²⁶Ra.