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ABSTRACT
Sorption characteristics of the Benzimidazole fungicide Carbendazim were assessed in seven different soils using batch equilibrium method and analysed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The values of adsorption co-efficient Kd ranged from 14.3 to 39.8 µg/mL depending upon unique physiochemical properties of soils. Negative values for Gibbs free energy (ΔG) proposed an exothermic and low interaction between Carbendazim and soil samples leading to physiosorption. Statistical analysis showed a negative correlation of soil pH and Kd (R2= −0.80) and a positive correlation with organic matter (R2 = 0.77). Activated carbon prepared from Arachis hypogaea (peanut shells) by acid activation for Carbendazim removal from soils was characterised by FTIR spectrometry, indicating the change in functional groups. The highest percentage removal observed was 70% in 5 ppm initial Carbendazim concentration while 65% in 7.5 ppm concentration. This method can be implied in agricultural soils as an efficient and cheap technique for removing the hazardous pesticides from the environment.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes on contributor
Dr. Khuram Shahzad Ahmad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fatima Jinnah Women University, Pakistan. Hecompleted his MSc (Inorganic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry) from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan and PhD Chemistry (Environmental) from Allama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan. He has also worked as a research collaborator in the University of Manchester. He has variouspublications in soil and pesticide sciences and green chemistry in reputed journals.