Arsenate and Dichromate Removal Efficiency of a New Calix[4]arene Impregnated Resin

Abstract

This article highlights a newly synthesized 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert.butyl-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(hydrazidecarbonylmethoxy)-calix[4]arene (3) impregnated resin 4 and it's sorption ability for the removal of selected oxoanions, i.e., (arsenate and dichromate) from aqueous environment. Resin 4 was characterized by using FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), elemental, and thermogravimetic (TGA) analyses techniques. Sorption study was carried out through static and dynamic methods with continuous flow operation to evaluate the potency of resin 4 under various conditions. Several parameters, such as effect of sorbent dosage, contact time, pH, and initial concentration were optimized through batch experiments. Results justify that % sorption of these oxoanions is highly dependent on pH of the solution. Equilibrium was achieved in 45 min, while sorption efficiency of resin 4 can be better explained by Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models. Furthermore, kinetically both oxoanions follow pseudo second order model. Additionally, sorption of arsenate more appropriately could be explained by Moris-Weber diffusion kinetic model. For the dynamic method, Thomas model was used to calculate the kinetic coefficient (k_TH) and maximum sorption capacity (q_o) of resin 4 which are 3.84 and 5.94 ml mg⁻¹ min⁻¹ and 0.185, 0.160 mg g⁻¹ for As (V) and Cr (VI) respectively. Furthermore, resin 4 has been found as potential sorbent for removal of these oxoanions from contaminated surface water samples.

Key Words:

• calix[4]arene
• impregnated resin
• kinetic model
• oxoanions
• sorption isotherms