An efficient approach for separation of acephate from aqueous solution using a novel surface modified adsorbent and its electrochemical regeneration

ABSTRACT

Current study reports the adsorption of acephate (organo-phosphorus pesticide) onto modified adsorbent and its electrochemical regeneration under various electrochemical conditions including current density, charge passed, and treatment time. The adsorption kinetics was also evaluated using Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Tempkin isotherm models. The kinetic data were fitted to pseudo first and second order kinetic models and adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 60 min with an adsorption capacity of 4 mg g⁻¹. Langmuir isotherm model was found in best fit with experimental data. Five adsorption/regeneration cycles showed no loss to material and adsorption capacity with 100% regeneration efficiency.

KEYWORDS:

• Adsorption
• acephate
• modified graphite-based adsorbent
• kinetic and isotherm models
• adsorbent regeneration

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Arvia Technology Ltd. UK for extending their kind support for materials and other necessary items. We also acknowledge kind support of University of the Punjab, Lahore for providing research funds and experimental infrastructure as required for the completion of this project. We also extend our thanks to the Universiti Technologi PETRONAS, Malaysia for providing us needful assistance whenever requested.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Petronas; Arvia Technology Ltd. UK; University of the Punjab, Lahore.