Designing a cost-effective and dual-functional muslin-based anion exchanger for defluoridation

Abstract

In the present study, muslin was modified by graft copolymerization with poly(4-vinyl pyridine) using γ-ray initiation method. The graft copolymers, thus synthesized, were further functionalized by reaction with 2-chloroethanol. The resultant materials, having pyridinium ring and exchangeable Cl⁻, were evaluated for the removal of fluoride ions from the simulated water samples. The materials exhibited high fluoride uptake and the maximum uptake was observed at pH 4.0, 20°C and 10 ppm of the fluoride ions. The maximum retention capacity of 7.7 mg/g was observed when fluoride uptake was studied up to 10 cycles. The data generated fit the pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. The efficacy of the functionalized muslin was evaluated as an antimicrobial agent against a bacterium (Bacillus aureus) and a fungus (Aspergillus niger). It was observed to be effective to inhibit the growth of both the microbes.

Keywords:

• Anion exchange
• Anti-microbial properties
• Fluoride removal
• Graft copolymers
• Maximum retention capacity
• Muslin

Acknowledgement

Sunil Kumar is thankful to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, India, for the sanction of study leave.