Effect of natural organic residues on the adsorption capacity of layered silicate alumina clay

ABSTRACT

Layered silicate clay can be modified with organic residues to enhance its adsorption properties and make it suitable for the removal of industrial hazardous substances in various industries. The modification process involves treating the clay with specific organic residues that can interact with and capture the targeted hazardous compounds effectively. Novel nano-composite adsorbing system was developed by inserting the products of powdered certain marine plant within the layers of layered silicate alumina clay (LS) through impregnation technique in order to form layered silicate alumina organic residue (LSOR). The SEM images showed clear agglomerations within the newly formed composite. Moreover, according to data obtained from Scherer equation extracted from XRD data all compounds under investigation were within the nanoscale. The newly prepared LSOR nano-composite showed a significant high adsorption capacity than the main reactants involved in the adsorbent formation process (LS and OR). The effects of various experimental factors were followed up using batch system, and kinetics and isotherms of CR dye adsorption were calculated accordingly. Adsorbent dosage, working temperature, and pH value all have a significant impact on CR removal percentage. Regarding the optimum conditions, the best temperature for CR adsorption onto LSOR is 40°C at a neutral pH medium. Adsorption isotherm study shows that the adsorption process could be followed up using Langmuir adsorption isotherm for OR while it follows Freundlich isotherm for LS adsorbent and can be followed up successfully by Temkin isotherm model in case of LSOR. Finally, field tests revealed that the LSOR nano-catalyst removed mixed dyes from industrial wastewater with a 93% performance. This outcome further solidifies the potential of LSOR nano-adsorbents as an eco-friendly solution for the treatment and reuse of industrial wastewater. It highlights the significant contribution of these new nano-adsorbents in promoting sustainable practices and addressing the challenges associated with industrial wastewater management.

KEYWORDS:

• Layered silicate alumina clay (LS)
• organic residue (OR)
• nanocomposite
• adsorption
• Congo red

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2023R67), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Supplementary data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2023.2285373.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number [PNURSP2023R67], Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.