Removal of arsenic(III) from aqueous media using amine functionalized-grafted styrene/maleic anhydride low-density polyethylene films

Abstract

This study demonstrates the development of effective modified films for As(III) removal from aqueous solution. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were grafted by c (Sty/MAn) co-monomer using gamma irradiation. The grafted films were functionalized by six amine groups including semicarbazide, L-aspartic acid, 2-aminopyridine, thiosemicarbazide, hydroxylamine-HCl, and thiourea. The grafting was verified using FTIR that shows MAn carbonyl groups at 1860 and 1785 cm⁻¹. The semicarbazide and L-aspartic acid functionalized films showed 100% and 75% removal efficiency, respectively, following the conditions of pH 7, 50 µg/mL As(III), 50 min contact time, and room temperature. The As(III) loaded chelating films treated with semicarbazide and L-aspartic acid were regenerated by contacting the films with 0.2 mol/L HCl solution for 90 min. The results show 100% release of the adsorbed As(III). The FTIR analysis of the regenerated films showed no change in the characteristic peaks, indicating the stability of film functionality in 0.2 mol/L HCl for 90 min. Additionally, the removal of As(III) using the regenerated films treated with semicarbazide or L-aspartic showed unaffected removal percentage up to eight adsorption-desorption regeneration cycles.

Keywords:

• Arsenic
• removal
• polyethylene
• radiation
• grafted films
• heavy metals

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledged the support the UNU & GIST Joint Programme on Science and Technology for Sustainability.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Group Research Project under grant number [R.G.P2/114/41].