Mn₂O₃ nanoparticle impregnated glycine max husks for the optimization of oil remediation in contaminated water

Abstract

The sorption of crude oil using raw (unmodified) and Mn₂O₃ nanoparticle-modified glycine max husks was investigated for treatment of oil-spilled water surfaces by batch sorption technique. Box-Behnken design was employed for optimization of the sorption process by response surface methodology using design expert software. The sorbents’ characterization was by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Thermogravimetric analysis. Equilibrium isotherm data were evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Scatchard models. The Langmuir gave the best fit to the experimental data and maximum monolayer uptake capacities of 3.47 and 5.29 gg⁻¹ were obtained for the raw and nanoparticle-modified glycine max husks (RGMH and NGMH), respectively. Kinetics showed that their sorption will be satisfactorily described using pseudo-second-order, based on their large R² values and at equilibrium uptake time of 70 and 50 min for oil onto the RGMH and NGMH, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters revealed a process that is non-spontaneous for RGMH, and spontaneous and feasible for NGMH. Regeneration and reusability after three sets of sorption-desorption were better with NGMH. Thus, Mn₂O₃ NGMH has greater potential as a sorbent for the management of oil-spilled water surfaces than RGMH.

Keywords:

• Soybean
• isotherms
• kinetics
• sorption
• manganese oxides
• impregnation
• Box-Behnken design
• regeneration
• crude oil
• pollution

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the staff and management of Materials and Energy Technology Department, Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu and Chemical Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria for using their equipment.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article and/or its Appendix.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.