The Synthesis and Evaluation of Porous Carbon Material from Corozo Fruit (Bactris guineensis) for Efficient Propranolol Hydrochloride Adsorption.

This study explores the potential of the corozo fruit (Bactris guineensis) palm tree in the Colombian Caribbean as a source for porous carbon material. Its specific surface area, pore volume, and average pore size were obtained using N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The images of the precursor and adsorbent surface were obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were obtained to detect the main functional groups present and an X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was performed in order to analyze the structural organization of the materials. By carbonizing the fruit stone with zinc chloride, a porous carbon material was achieved with a substantial specific surface area (1125 m2 g⁻1) and pore volume (3.241 × 10-1 cm3 g⁻1). The material was tested for its adsorption capabilities of the drug propranolol. The optimal adsorption occurred under basic conditions and at a dosage of 0.7 g L⁻1. The Langmuir homogeneous surface model effectively described the equilibrium data and, as the temperature increased, the adsorption capacity improved, reaching a maximum of 134.7 mg g⁻1 at 328.15 K. The model constant was favorable to the temperature increase, increasing from 1.556 × 10-1 to 2.299 × 10-1 L mg-1. Thermodynamically, the adsorption of propranolol was found to be spontaneous and benefited from higher temperatures, indicating an endothermic nature (12.39 kJ mol⁻1). The negative ΔG0 values decreased from -26.28 to -29.99 kJ mol-1, with the more negative value occurring at 328 K. The adsorbent material exhibited rapid kinetics, with equilibrium times ranging from 30 to 120 min, depending on the initial concentration. The kinetics data were well-represented by the general order and linear driving force models. The rate constant of the general order model diminished from 1.124 × 10-3 to 9.458 × 10-14 with an increasing concentration. In summary, the leftover stone from the Bactris guineensis plant can be utilized to develop activated carbon, particularly when activated using zinc chloride. This material shows promise for efficiently adsorbing propranolol and potentially other emerging pollutants.

Improved Adsorption of the Toxic Herbicide Diuron Using Activated Carbon Obtained from Residual Cassava Biomass (Manihot esculenta).

The production and consumption of cassava (Manihot esculenta) occur in several places worldwide, producing large volumes of waste, mostly in the form of bark. This study sought to bring a new purpose to this biomass through producing activated carbon to use as an adsorbent to remove the herbicide Diuron from water. It was observed that the carbon contains the functional groups of methyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl in a strongly amorphous structure. The activated carbon had a surface area of 613.7 m2 g-1, a pore volume of 0.337 cm3 g-1, and a pore diameter of 1.18 nm. The Freundlich model was found to best describe the experimental data. It was observed that an increase in temperature favored adsorption, reaching a maximum experimental capacity of 222 mg g-1 at 328 K. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. The enthalpy of adsorption magnitude was consistent with physical adsorption. Equilibrium was attained within 120 min. The linear driving force (LDF) model provided a strong statistical match to the kinetic curves. Diffusivity (Ds) and the model coefficient (KLDF) both increased with a rise in herbicide concentration. The adsorbent removed up to 68% of pollutants in a simulated effluent containing different herbicides. Activated carbon with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), produced from leftover cassava husks, was shown to be a viable alternative as an adsorbent for the treatment of effluents containing not only the herbicide Diuron but also a mixture of other herbicides.

Effective removal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug from wastewater by adsorption process using acid-treated Fagopyrum esculentum husk.

In this work, buckwheat husks (Fagopyrum esculentum) were modified by acid treatment and posteriorly employed to remove the ketoprofen in batch adsorption. The characterization results indicated that a more irregular surface with new empty spaces was generated after acid treatment. The adsorptive process was favored at acidic pH = 3. The dosage of 0.85 g L-1 was fixed for the kinetic and isothermal tests, obtaining good removal and capacity indications. The kinetic studies were better represented by pseudo-second-order, obtaining an experimental capacity of 74.3 mg g-1 for 200 mg L-1 of ketoprofen. An increase in temperature negatively affected the adsorption isotherm curves, resulting in a maximum capacity of 194.1 mg g-1. Thermodynamic results confirmed the exothermic nature of the process with physical forces acting. The adsorbent presented high efficiency in treating a synthetic effluent containing different drugs and salts, 71.2%. Therefore, adsorbent development from buckwheat husks treated with a strong acid is an excellent alternative, given the good removal results and the low cost for its preparation.

Application of seed residues from Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis as alternative adsorbents for remarkable removal of methylene blue dye in aqueous solutions.

Two novel ecological and low-cost adsorbents were prepared from seed residues of the tree species Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis for the removal of methylene blue dye in water. The materials were comminuted and characterized by different techniques. The particles of samples have a rough surface with cavities. The optimum dosage and pH for both materials were 1 g L-1 and pH 8. The pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable for describing the adsorption kinetics for both systems. The Anadenanthera macrocarpa presented a maximum experimental capacity of 228 mg g-1, while the Cedrela fissilis, a similar capacity of 230 mg g-1 at 328 K. The Tóth model was proper for describing the equilibrium curves for both systems. The thermodynamic indicators show that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic for both materials. The application of materials for the simulated effluent treatment showed 74 and 78% of color removal using Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis samples, respectively. Overall, seed residues of Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Cedrela fissilis could be potentially applied for adsorptive removal of colored contaminants in wastewater.

Utilization of Pacara Earpod tree (Enterolobium contortisilquum) and Ironwood (Caesalpinia leiostachya) seeds as low-cost biosorbents for removal of basic fuchsin.

Wastes from the Pacara Earpod tree (Enterolobium contortisilquum) and Ironwood (Caesalpinia leiostachya) seeds were studied as biosorbents for the removal of basic fuchsin from waters. Both biosorbents were prepared and characterized by different analytical methods. The characterization data showed that both materials were mainly composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. Both biosorbents exhibited roughened surfaces and surface functional groups such as C-H, C=O, C=C, C-O, C-N, and OH bonds. Furthermore, the XRD pattern shows an amorphous phase with a wide peak from 10 to 30° due to the lignin. In terms of dosage and pH, the use of 1 g L-1 and 9.0, respectively, is recommended. The initial concentrations for the biosorption kinetics ranged from 50 to 500 mg L-1, where the Pacara ear and the Ironwood reached an adsorption capacity of 145.62 and 100.743 mg g-1 for the 500 mg L-1. The pseudo-second-order was found to be the proper model for describing biosorption of basic fuchsin onto Pacara Earpod tree and Ironwood, respectively. For the isotherm experiments, the maximum experimental biosorption capacity was found to be 166.858 and 110.317 mg g-1 for the Pacara Earpod and Ironwood for the initial concentration of 500 mg L-1 at 328 K. The Langmuir and the Tóth models were the best for representing the equilibrium curves for the basic fuchsin on the Pacara Earpod and the Ironwood, respectively. Maximum adsorption capacities of 177.084 mg g-1 and 136.526 mg g-1 were achieved for the Pacara Earpod tree and Ironwood, respectively. The biosorption process was spontaneous, endothermic, and favorable for both biosorbents. The biosorbents were also applied for coloration removal of simulated textile effluents, reaching 66% and 54% for the Pacara Earpod and Ironwood, respectively. For the final application, the materials were used in fixed-bed biosorption, with an initial concentration of 200 mg L-1, reaching breakthrough times of 710 and 415 min, leading to biosorption capacities of the column of 124.5 and 76.5 mg g-1, for the Pacara Earpod and Ironwood, respectively.

Evaluation of Ocotea puberula bark powder (OPBP) as an effective adsorbent to uptake crystal violet from colored effluents: alternative kinetic approaches.

The Ocotea puberula bark powder (OPBP) was evaluated as an effective adsorbent for the removal of crystal violet (CV) from colored effluents. OPBP was characterized and presented a surface with large cavities, organized as a honeycomb. The main functional groups of OPBP were O-H, N-H, C=O, and C-O-C. The adsorption of CV on OPBP was favorable at pH 9 with a dosage of 0.75 g L-1. The Avrami model was the most suitable to represent the adsorption kinetic profile, being the estimated equilibrium concentration value of 3.37 mg L-1 for an initial concentration of 50 mg L-1 (CV removal of 93.3%). The equilibrium was reached within 90 min. The data were better described by the Langmuir isotherm, reaching a maximum adsorption capacity of 444.34 mg g-1 at 328 K. The Gibbs free energy ranged from - 26.3554 to - 27.8055 kJ mol-1, and the enthalpy variation was - 11.1519 kJ mol-1. The external mass transfer was the rate-limiting step, with Biot numbers ranging from 0.0011 to 0.25. Lastly, OPBP application for the treatment of two different simulated effluents was effective, achieving a removal percentage of 90%.

Treatment of water containing methylene by biosorption using Brazilian berry seeds (Eugenia uniflora).

Brazilian berry seeds (Eugenia uniflora) were used as an eco-friendly and low-cost biosorbent for the treatment of textile effluents containing methylene blue. Characterization techniques indicated that Brazilian berry seeds are constituted of irregular particles, mainly composed of lignin and holocellulose groups, distributed in an amorphous structure. Methylene blue biosorption was favorable at pH of 8, using a biosorbent dosage of 0.8 g L-1. The equilibrium was reached in the first 20 min for lower M methylene blue concentrations and 120 min for higher methylene blue concentrations. Furthermore, the general and pseudo-second-order models were suitable for describing the kinetic data. Langmuir was the most adequate model for describing the isotherm curves, predicting a biosorption capacity of 189.6 mg g-1 at 328 K. Biosorption was spontaneous (- 9.54 ≤ ΔG0 ≤ -8.06 kJ mol-1) and endothermic, with standard enthalpy change of 6.11 kJ mol-1. Brazilian berry seeds were successfully used to remove the color of two different simulated textile effluents, achieving 92.2% and 73.5% of removal. Last, the fixed-bed experiment showed that a column packed with Brazilian berry seeds can operate during 840 min, attaining biosorption capacity of 88.7 mg g-1. The data here presented indicates that textile effluents containing methylene blue can be easily and successfully treated by an eco-friendly and low-cost biosorbent like Brazilian berry seeds.

Araticum (Annona crassiflora) seed powder (ASP) for the treatment of colored effluents by biosorption.

Dyes are widely used in many industrial sectors, many contain harmful substances to human health, and their release into the environment entails several environmental problems, generating a major worldwide concern as water resources are increasingly limited. The development of cheap and efficient biosorbents that remove these pollutants is of utmost importance. In this study, powdered seeds of the araticum fruit (Annona crassiflora) were used in the biosorption of crystal violet (CV) dye from aqueous solutions and simulated textile effluents. Through the characterization techniques, it can be observed that the material presented an amorphous structure, containing an irregular surface composed mainly by groups containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. CV biosorption was favored at the natural pH of the solution (7.5) for a dosage of 0.7 g L-1 of araticum seed powder. The pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable to represent the biosorption kinetics in the removal of the CV. Biosorption capacity reached equilibrium in the first minutes at the lowest concentrations, and, at the highest, after 120 min. The equilibrium data were well represented by the Langmuir model, with a maximum biosorption capacity of 300.96 mg g-1 at 328 K. Biosorption had a spontaneous and endothermic nature. In the treatment of a simulated effluent, the biosorbent removed 87.8% of the color, proving to be efficient. Therefore, the araticum seeds powder (ASP) can be used as a low-cost material for the treatment of colored effluents containing the crystal violet (CV) dye.

Adsorptive decontamination of wastewater containing methylene blue dye using golden trumpet tree bark (Handroanthus albus).

The golden trumpet tree bark (GTB), a wood-processing residue, was tested as adsorbent material for decontamination of wastewaters containing methylene blue dye (MB). The powdered material was preponderantly amorphous, containing an irregular surface with the presence of lignin and holocellulose. The adsorption was favorable at basic pH of 10 and adsorbent dosage of 0.5 g L-1. The kinetics has finished in only 30 min and fitted by the general order model (GO). The isotherm behaviors were successfully represented by the Langmuir model. The value found for the maximum adsorption capacity was 232.25 mg g-1, being obtained at 328 K. The standard variation of Gibbs free energy (ΔG0) ranged from - 10.77 to - 8.09 kJ mol-1, indicating a spontaneous and favorable adsorption. A variation of standard enthalpy (ΔH0) of 18.58 kJ mol-1 revealed an endothermic adsorption. A sloped forward curve was found in the continuous operation, with breakthrough time (tb) of 325 min. The stoichiometry capacity of the column (qeq) and the length of mass transfer zone (Zm) were, respectively, 23.57 mg g-1 and 11.28 cm. The GTB was efficient in the treatment of a simulated effluent, obtaining color removal of 96%. These results show that GTB can be applied as adsorbent for decontamination of wastewaters containing methylene blue.

Potential of Araucaria angustifolia bark as adsorbent to remove Gentian Violet dye from aqueous effluents.

Araucaria angustifolia bark (AA-bark), a waste generated in wood processing, was evaluated as a potential adsorbent to remove Gentian Violet (GV) dye from aqueous solutions. The AA-bark presented an amorphous structure with irregular surface and was composed mainly of lignin and holocellulose. These characteristics indicated that the adsorbent contains available sites to accommodate the dye molecules. The GV adsorption on AA-bark was favored at pH 8.0 with adsorbent dosage of 0.80 g L-1. Pseudo-nth order model was adequate to represent the adsorption kinetics of GV on AA-bark. A fast adsorption rate was verified, with the equilibrium being attained within 30 min. Equilibrium data were well represented by the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 305.3 mg g-1. Adsorption was spontaneous, favorable and endothermic. AA-bark was able to treat a simulated dye house effluent, reaching color removal values of 80%. An excellent performance was found in fixed bed experiments, where the length of the mass transfer zone was only 5.38 cm and the breakthrough time was 138.5 h. AA-bark can be regenerated two times using HNO3 0.5 mol L-1. AA-bark can be used as a low-cost material to treat colored effluents in batch and fixed bed adsorption systems.

Biosorption of cationic dyes by Pará chestnut husk (Bertholletia excelsa).

Pará chestnut husk (Bertholletia excelsa) (PCH), an agro-industrial waste largely generated in Brazil, was employed as a low-cost and efficient biosorbent to remove the cationic dyes Crystal Violet (CV) and Methylene Blue (MB) from aqueous media. PCH presented an amorphous structure containing carboxylic acids, esters, ketones and aldehydes on the surface. Non-porous and irregular particles were also observed. For both dyes, the biosorption capacity was favored under acid conditions. Equilibrium was attained within 40 min at 25 °C with a PCH dosage of 0.5 g L-1. The biosorption kinetic curves were satisfactory explained by the pseudo-first-order model. The Freundlich model was best for representing the equilibrium curves. The maximum biosorption capacities were 83.6 and 83.8 mg g-1 for CV and MB, respectively. PCH was efficient for treating a simulated textile effluent containing several dyes and chemicals, achieving a color removal of 90%. In this way, PCH can be considered as an option for treating colored effluents containing textile dyes.

Removal of Procion Red dye from colored effluents using H2SO4-/HNO3-treated avocado shells (Persea americana) as adsorbent.

The treatment of colored effluents containing Procion Red dye (PR) was investigated using H2SO4 and HNO3 modified avocado shells (Persea americana) as adsorbents. The adsorbent materials (AS-H2SO4 and AS-HNO3) were properly characterized. The adsorption study was carried out considering the effects of adsorbent dosage and pH. Kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic aspects were also evaluated. Finally, the adsorbents were tested to treat simulated dye house effluents. For both materials, the adsorption was favored using 0.300 g L-1 of adsorbent at pH 6.5, where, more than 90% of PR was removed from the solution. General order model was able to explain the adsorption kinetics for both adsorbents. The Sips model was adequate to represent the isotherm data, being the maximum adsorption capacities of 167.0 and 212.6 mg g-1 for AS-H2SO4 and AS-HNO3, respectively. The adsorption processes were thermodynamically spontaneous, favorable (- 17.0 < ΔG 0 < - 13.2 kJ mol-1), and exothermic (ΔH 0 values of - 29 and - 55 kJ mol-1). AS-H2SO4 and AS-HNO3 were adequate to treat dye house effluents, attaining color removal percentages of 82 and 75%. Avocado shells, after a simple acid treatment, can be a low-cost option to treat colored effluents.