Removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol from wastewater by an efficient adsorbent of magnetic activated carbon

ABSTRACT

An efficient adsorbent of magnetic activated carbon (Fe₃O₄@AC) was investigated to remove 2,4-DCP from industrial wastewater samples using a spectrophotometer. The Fe₃O₄@AC was characterized using FTIR, VSM, and SEM. Various adsorption parameters include pH (3–10), contact time (5–100 min), adsorbent dosage (5–80 mg), initial concentration (5–100 mg/L) and temperature (298–333 K) were optimized. The maximum adsorption capacity of 188.7 mg/g was attained. Adsorption study was described by pseudo-second order and Freundlich model. Thermodynamic data proves the reaction was spontaneous and exothermic at room temperature. The adsorbents were further validated and applied to industrial wastewater with a removal ability of 83% to 88%.

KEYWORDS:

• Magnetic particles
• activated carbon
• phenolic compounds
• 2-DCP
• Freundlich isotherm model

Novelty Statement

In this work the adsorption features of activated carbon and the magnetic properties of iron oxides were combined in a composite to produce magnetic adsorbents. These magnetic particles can be used as an adsorbent for a wide range of contaminants in water and can subsequently be removed from the medium by a simple magnetic procedure. Unfortunately, activated carbons are notoriously difficult to separate from the solution. Attempts to use magnetic separation by applying an appropriate magnet have been reported for magnetic properties composite. Magnetic-activated carbon adsorbents can easily be separated from solution using a magnetic separator. In contrast, traditional adsorbents are removed by filtering. The purposes of this research were therefore to investigate its effectiveness in 2,4-dichlorophenol removal from water, finally to evaluate the feasibility and applicability of using this composite as a potential sorbent to treat wastewater containing higher amounts of 2,4-dichlorophenol.

Acknowledgements

The authors greatly acknowledge the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, Ministry of Education Malaysia – 203.CIPPT.6711559 and 203.CIPPT.6711661; and Bridging Grant, Universiti Sains Malaysia – 304.CIPPT.6316266 and Incentive Grant, Universiti Sains Malaysia – 1001.CIPPT.AUPS001 for their financial support. The authors also would like to thank the School of Chemical Sciences and Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia for the facilities and technical support.