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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Carbon Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2022) | Viewed by 26530

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz

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Guest Editor

Institute of Agrophysics PAS, Doświadczalna 4, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
Interests: carbon composites; adsorption/desorption; multisystem of adsorbates; clay minerals; immobilization of ions; polymers; pesticides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The incompetent, excessive use of plant protection products and antibiotics in agriculture and animal husbandry as well as high emissions of pollutants from industry result in higher and higher contents of xenobiotics in the environment. These anthropogenic compounds pose a serious threat to organisms – they limit the growth and development of plants, animals, and humans, causing numerous diseases and dysfunctions. One of the most important methods of reducing the negative impact of xenobiotics on the environment is their immobilization or complete removal by adsorption on solid surfaces.

Currently, many researchers are developing materials that can be used as effective adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Such materials physically and chemically modify biochar, clay minerals, zeolites, etc., to additionally improve their properties. This Special Issue focuses mainly on the solids characterized by their high adsorption capacity relative to heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. It is my pleasure to invite you to submit research or review articles on such novel materials.

Dr. Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

adsorbent porosity
solid surface charge
surface group determination
solid morphology
adsorption/desorption
heavy metal ions
pesticides
pharmaceuticals
adsorption data modeling
electrical double layer

Related Special Issue

Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants (Volume II) in Materials (9 articles)

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 5346 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of the Usefulness of Sorbents in the Remediation of Soil Exposed to the Pressure of Cadmium and Cobalt

by Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Agata Borowik, Magdalena Zaborowska and Jan Kucharski

Materials 2022, 15(16), 5738; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15165738 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1330

Abstract

An undesirable side effect of economic progress is increasingly severe pollution with heavy metals, responsible for the degradation of ecosystems, including soil resources. Hence, this research focused on examining six adsorbents in order to distinguish a reactive mineral with the highest capacity to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals. To this end, the soil was polluted with Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺ by applying the metals in concentrations of 100 mg kg⁻¹ d.m. The extent of soil equilibrium disturbances was assessed by evaluating the response of the soil microbiome, activity of seven soil enzymes, and the yields of Helianthus annuus L. Six sorbents were evaluated: a molecular sieve, expanded clay (ExClay), halloysite, zeolite, sepiolite and biochar. Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺ proved to be significant inhibitors of the soil’s microbiological and biochemical parameters. Organotrophic bacteria among the analysed groups of microorganisms and dehydrogenases among the soil enzymes were most sensitive to the effects of the metals. Both metals significantly distorted the growth and development of sunflower, with Co²⁺ having a stronger adverse impact on the synthesis of chlorophyll. The molecular sieve and biochar were the sorbents that stimulated the multiplication of microorganisms and enzymatic activity in the contaminated soil. The activity of enzymes was also stimulated significantly by zeolite and sepiolite, while the growth of Helianthus annuus L. biomass was stimulated by the molecular sieve, which can all be considered the most useful reactive materials in the remediation of soils exposed to Co²⁺ and Cd²⁺. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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14 pages, 1215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trace Element Contents in Petrol-Contaminated Soil Following the Application of Compost and Mineral Materials

by Mirosław Wyszkowski and Natalia Kordala

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5233; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15155233 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1186

Abstract

The global use of petroleum hydrocarbons as raw materials and an energy source in industry results in serious environmental, health, and ecological problems. Consequently, there is growing interest in the development of technologies for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas. This study was undertaken in order to determine the effect of different phytostabilising materials (compost, bentonite, and CaO) on the trace element content in soil contaminated with unleaded petroleum 95 (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 cm³ kg⁻¹ of soil). The doses of petroleum applied to the soil were based on the previously conducted preliminary experiment. The highest petroleum dose (10 cm³ kg⁻¹ of soil) significantly reduced the chromium, zinc, and cobalt contents in the soil. Petroleum increased the cadmium, lead, nickel, and copper contents in the soil. The materials used for phytostabilisation (compost, bentonite, calcium oxide) had a significant effect on the trace element content in the soil. The application of mineral materials (bentonite and calcium oxide) was more effective than the application of compost, compared to the control series (without soil amendments) as they reduced the contents of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and cobalt in the soil to the greatest extent. The reduction effect of bentonite and calcium oxide on the content of these trace elements in the soil was stronger than compost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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14 pages, 845 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Role of Different Material Amendments in Shaping the Content of Heavy Metals in Maize (Zea mays L.) on Soil Polluted with Petrol

by Mirosław Wyszkowski and Natalia Kordala

Materials 2022, 15(7), 2623; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15072623 - 02 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1549

Abstract

Petroleum substances are among the xenobiotics that most often contaminate the natural environment. They have a strong effect on soil, water, and other components of the environment. The aim of this pot experiment has been to determine the effect of different soil material amendments (compost, 3%; bentonite, 2% relative to the soil mass or calcium oxide, in amounts corresponding to one full hydrolytic acidity) on the content of heavy metals in aerial parts of maize (Zea mays L.) grown on soil polluted with petrol (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 cm³ kg⁻¹ of soil). The content of all heavy metals, except copper, in the aerial biomass of maize was positively correlated, but biomass yield negatively correlated, with the increasing doses of petrol. The highest increase in the content of heavy metals was noted for chromium and manganese. Materials used for phytostabilisation (compost, bentonite, and calcium oxide) had a significant effect on the content of heavy metals and biomass yield of maize. They contributed to the modified accumulation of elements, especially chromium, copper, and cobalt in the aerial biomass of maize. In comparison with the control series (without material amendments), the application of calcium oxide proved to be most effective. It had the most evident influence on the chemical composition of maize, limiting the accumulation of lead, zinc, manganese, and iron and increasing biomass yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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17 pages, 1574 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Coal and Sewage Sludge Ashes on Macronutrient Content in Maize (Zea mays L.) Grown on Soil Contaminated with Eco-Diesel Oil

by Mirosław Wyszkowski, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Natalia Kordala and Agata Borowik

Materials 2022, 15(2), 525; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15020525 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1563

Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbons, as aggressive components of diesel oils, after migration to the land environment can alter the activity and efficiency of ecosystems. They can also be dangerous to animal and human health. Eco-friendly methods for the reclamation of affected soils is necessary to manage degraded lands. One such method is the use of ashes. The aim of this research was to determine how soil pollution with diesel oil (brand name, Eco-Diesel) affects the chemical composition of maize (Zea mays L.) and whether the application of ash from a combined heat and power plant, as well as from sewage sludge incineration, could reduce the potentially adverse impact of diesel oil on plants. The research results demonstrated that soil contamination with Eco-Diesel oil modified the content of selected macronutrients in the analyzed crop plant. Eco-Diesel oil had a negative effect on maize yield. The highest diesel oil dose in a series without neutralizing substances had a positive effect on the accumulation of most elements, except nitrogen and sodium. Soil enrichment with ash differentiated the content of macronutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, in the aerial biomass of maize. The ashes increased the yield of maize and content of some macronutrients, mainly nitrogen but also calcium, the latter in a series where soil was treated with ash from sewage sludge thermal recycling. Both types of ash also resulted in a decrease in the plant content of phosphorus, while ash from hard coal caused a slight reduction in the content of potassium in maize. Ash of different origins can be an effective solution in the reclamation of degraded soils, which may then be used for growing energy crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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17 pages, 2646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from One- and Two-Component Solutions via Adsorption on N-Doped Activated Carbon

by Justyna Kazmierczak-Razna, Anetta Zioła-Frankowska, Piotr Nowicki, Marcin Frankowski, Robert Wolski and Robert Pietrzak

Materials 2021, 14(22), 7045; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14227045 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1557

Abstract

This paper deals with the adsorption of heavy metal ions (Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) on the carbonaceous materials obtained by chemical activation and ammoxidation of Polish brown coal. The effects of phase contact time, initial metal ion concentration, solution pH, and temperature, as well as the presence of competitive ions in solution, on the adsorption capacity of activated carbons were examined. It has been shown that the sample modified by introduction of nitrogen functional groups into carbon structure exhibits a greater ability to uptake heavy metals than unmodified activated carbon. It has also been found that the adsorption capacity increases with the increasing initial concentration of the solution and the phase contact time. The maximum adsorption was found at pH = 8.0 for Cu(II) and pH = 6.0 for Zn(II). For all samples, better fit to the experimental data was obtained with a Langmuir isotherm than a Freundlich one. A better fit of the kinetic data was achieved using the pseudo-second order model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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17 pages, 4531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineral Materials as a Neutralizing Agent Used on Soil Contaminated with Copper

by Andrzej Cezary Żołnowski, Mirosław Wyszkowski, Elżbieta Rolka and Marta Sawicka

Materials 2021, 14(22), 6830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14226830 - 12 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1562

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the response of plants, using black mustard (Brassica nigra L. Koch) as a model plant, to soil contamination with copper (0, 200, 400, 600 mg Cu kg⁻¹ of soil), and to determine the effectiveness of the Cu immobilization with mineral neutralizing materials, such as lime, clay and zeolite. The plant yield depended on soil contamination and mineral amendments. In the series without neutralizing materials, the level of 600 mg Cu kg⁻¹ reduced the yield and increased leaf greenness. Lime alleviated the toxicity of Cu in objects with 200 mg Cu kg⁻¹. Zeolite slightly mitigated the harmful effects of Cu at the level of 400 and 600 mg kg⁻¹. Zeolite lowered the SPAD index. In the chemical composition of plants, the content of Cu, K, Mg, Na and Ca in plants increased to 400 mg Cu kg⁻¹, while the content of P decreased to 600 mg Cu kg⁻¹. Among the materials, lime reduced the Cu accumulation in plants the most, followed by clay. Cu narrowed the majority of ratios and widened the Ca:P and K:Ca ratios in plants. The applied mineral materials, except lime, did not significantly affect the formation of these indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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23 pages, 7229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perna canaliculus as an Ecological Material in the Removal of o-Cresol Pollutants from Soil

by Magdalena Zaborowska, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Agata Borowik and Jan Kucharski

Materials 2021, 14(21), 6685; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14216685 - 05 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1704

Abstract

Soil contamination with cresol is a problem of the 21st century and poses a threat to soil microorganisms, humans, animals, and plants. The lack of precise data on the potential toxicity of o-cresol in soil microbiome and biochemical activity, as well as the search for effective remediation methods, inspired the aim of this study. Soil is subjected to four levels of contamination with o-cresol: 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 50 mg o-cresol kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM) of soil and the following are determined: the count of eight groups of microorganisms, colony development index (CD) and ecophysiological diversity index (EP) for organotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria and fungi, and the bacterial genetic diversity. Moreover, the responses of seven soil enzymes are investigated. Perna canaliculus is a recognized biosorbent of organic pollutants. Therefore, microbial biostimulation with Perna canaliculus shells is used to eliminate the negative effect of the phenolic compound on the soil microbiome. Fungi appears to be the microorganisms most sensitive to o-cresol, while Pseudomonas sp. is the least sensitive. In o-cresol-contaminated soils, the microbiome is represented mainly by the bacteria of the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes phyla. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and urease can be regarded as sensitive indicators of soil disturbance. Perna canaliculus shells prove to be an effective biostimulator of soil under pressure with o-cresol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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13 pages, 589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sewage Sludge as a Tool in Limiting the Content of Trace Elements in Avena sativa L. on the Soil Polluted with Diesel Oil

by Mirosław Wyszkowski, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Agata Borowik and Natalia Kordala

Materials 2021, 14(14), 4003; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14144003 - 17 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1718

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of soil contamination with diesel oil (0; 5; 10 and 15 cm³ kg⁻¹ of soil) on the content of trace elements in the aboveground parts of oat (Avena sativa L.). Stabilised sewage sludge was used to mitigate the likely negative impact of diesel oil on the plant. Growing soil contamination with diesel oil had a significant impact on the content of trace elements in the aboveground biomass of oat. In the series without sewage sludge, the contents of the analysed elements, except for chromium, zinc, copper and cobalt, were positively correlated with the increasing doses of diesel oil. The largest increase in the content was recorded in the case of manganese. The sewage sludge used to reduce the influence of diesel oil on the chemical composition of oat had a positive effect on the content of the analysed trace elements. Compared to the series without the addition of a stabilised sewage sludge, it contributed to a reduction in the average content of chromium, nickel, copper, manganese and cobalt in the aboveground parts of oat plants. No significant effect of the applied remediation treatment was noted for cadmium, and the results were equivocal for iron. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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17 pages, 4675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon-Silica Composite as Adsorbent for Removal of Hazardous C.I. Basic Yellow 2 and C.I. Basic Blue 3 Dyes

by Małgorzata Wiśniewska, Monika Wawrzkiewicz, Magda Onyszko, Magdalena Medykowska, Agnieszka Nosal-Wiercińska and Viktor Bogatyrov

Materials 2021, 14(12), 3245; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14123245 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1734

Abstract

Treatment of wastewaters containing hazardous substances such as dyes from the textile, paper, plastic and food industries is of great importance. Efficient technique for the removal of highly toxic organic dyes is adsorption. In this paper, adsorptive properties of the carbon-silica composite (C/SiO₂) were evaluated for the cationic dyes C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) and C.I. Basic Yellow 2 (BY2). The sorption capacities were determined as a function of temperature (924.6–1295.9 mg/g for BB3 and 716.3-733.2 mg/g for BY2 at 20–60 °C) using the batch method, and the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were applied for the equilibrium data evaluation using linear and non-linear regression. The rate of dye adsorption from the 100 mg/L solution was very fast, after 5 min. of phase contact time 98% of BB3 and 86% of BY2 was removed by C/SiO₂. Presence of the anionic (SDS), cationic (CTAB) and non-ionic (Triton X-100) surfactants in the amount of 0.25 g/L caused decrease in BB3 and BY2 uptake. The electrokinetic studies, including determination of the solid surface charge density and zeta potential of the composite suspensions in single and mixed adsorbate systems, were also performed. It was shown that presence of adsorption layers changes the structure of the electrical double layer formed on the solid surface, based on the evidence of changes in ionic composition of both surface layer and the slipping plane area. The greatest differences between suspension with and without adsorbates was obtained in the mixed dye + SDS systems; the main reason for this is the formation of dye-surfactant complexes in the solution and their adsorption at the interface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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15 pages, 2145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Activated Bio-Carbons Prepared from the Residue of Supercritical Extraction of Raw Plants and Their Application for Removal of Nitrogen Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide from the Gas Phase

by Aleksandra Bazan-Wozniak, Piotr Nowicki, Robert Wolski and Robert Pietrzak

Materials 2021, 14(12), 3192; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14123192 - 09 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1703

Abstract

The waste materials left after supercritical extraction of hop cones and marigold flowers were tested as precursors of activated bio-carbons. Adsorbents were produced by means of the physical (also called thermal) activation method using CO₂ as the gasifying agent. All the activated bio-carbons were tested for the removal of NO₂ and H₂S from the gas phase under dry and wet conditions. The effects of the type of precursor and the activation procedure on the porous structure development, the acid-base properties of the surface, as well as the sorption capacities of the materials produced were also checked. The final products were bio-carbons of medium developed surface area with a basic surface nature, characterized by their high effectiveness in removal of gas pollutants of acidic character, especially nitrogen dioxide (sorption capacities in the range from 12.5 to 102.6 mg/g). It was proved that the toxic gas removal efficiency depends considerably on the sorption conditions and the activation procedure. All materials showed greater effectiveness in gas removal when the process of adsorption was carried out in the presence of steam. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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21 pages, 2930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Effective Adsorption Process of Ni(II) Ions with the Use of Sewage Sludge Fly Ash Generated by Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (CFBC) Technology

by Tomasz Kalak, Kinga Marciszewicz and Joanna Piepiórka-Stepuk

Materials 2021, 14(11), 3106; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14113106 - 05 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2183

Abstract

Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the removal of nickel ions due to their negative effects on the environment and human health. In this research, fly ash obtained as a result of incineration of municipal sewage sludge with the use of circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) technology was used to analyze the possibility of removing Ni(II) ions in adsorption processes. The properties of the material were determined using analytical methods, such as SEM-EDS, XRD, BET, BJH, thermogravimetry, zeta potential, SEM, and FT-IR. Several factors were analyzed, such as adsorbent dose, initial pH, initial concentration, and contact time. As a result of the conducted research, the maximum sorption efficiency was obtained at the level of 99.9%. The kinetics analysis and isotherms showed that the pseudo-second order equation model and the Freundlich isotherm model best suited this process. In conclusion, sewage sludge fly ash may be a suitable material for the effective removal of nickel from wastewater and the improvement of water quality. This research is in line with current trends in the concepts of circular economy and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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20 pages, 7260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Physicochemical Properties of Fly Ash Precursor, Na-P1(C) Zeolite–Carbon Composite and Na-P1 Zeolite—Adsorption Affinity to Divalent Pb and Zn Cations

by Rafał Panek, Magdalena Medykowska, Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz and Małgorzata Wiśniewska

Materials 2021, 14(11), 3018; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14113018 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

Considering the growing needs of environmental remediation, new effective solutions should be sought. Therefore, the adsorbed amounts of heavy metal ions, such as lead(II) and zinc(II), on the surface of high-carbon fly ash (HiC FA), zeolite-–carbon composite (Na-P1(C)) and pure zeolite (Na-P1), were investigated. The applied solids were characterized using the following techniques: XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, porosimetry, SLS, electrophoresis and potentiometric titration. The heavy metal concentration in the probes was determined by applying ICP-OES spectroscopy. Adsorption/desorption and electrokinetic measurements were performed in the systems containing one or two adsorbates. The obtained results indicated that Pb(II) ions are adsorbed in larger amounts on the investigated solid surface due to the molecular sieving effect. The largest adsorption capacity relative to lead(II) ions was observed for pure Na-P1 zeolite (407 mg/g). The simultaneous presence of Pb(II) + Zn(II) mixed adsorbates minimally affects the amount of adsorbed Pb(II) ions and causes a significant decrease of Zn(II) ion adsorption (in comparison with analogous systems containing single adsorbates). It was also shown that all solids can be efficiently regenerated using hydrochloric acid. Thus, the selected pure zeolite can be successfully applied in soil remediation or other purifying technologies as an effective Pb(II) adsorbent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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14 pages, 3708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carboxin and Diuron Adsorption Mechanism on Sunflower Husks Biochar and Goethite in the Single/Mixed Pesticide Solutions

by Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz, Agnieszka Tomczyk, Magdalena Celińska, Zofia Sokołowska and Marcin Kuśmierz

Materials 2021, 14(10), 2584; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14102584 - 16 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2097

Abstract

The study focused on the adsorption mechanism of two selected pesticides: carboxin and diuron, on goethite and biochar, which were treated as potential compounds of mixed adsorbent. The authors also prepared a simple mixture of goethite and biochar and performed adsorption measurements on this material. The adsorbents were characterized by several methods, inter alia, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, Boehm titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adsorption study included kinetics and equilibrium measurements, in the solution containing one or two pesticides simultaneously. The adsorption data were fitted to selected theoretical models (e.g., Langmuir, Freudlich, Redlich–Peterson, pseudo first-order and pseudo second-order equations). Based on the obtained results, it was stated that, among all tested adsorbents, biochar had the highest adsorption capacity relative to both carboxin and diuron. It equaled 0.64 and 0.52 mg/g, respectively. Experimental data were best fitted to the pseudo second-order and Redlich–Peterson models. In the mixed systems, the adsorption levels observed on biochar, goethite and their mixture were higher for diuron and lower for carboxin, compared to those noted in the single solutions. The presented results may enable the development of new mixed adsorbent for remediation of soils polluted with pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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17 pages, 26564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Sinorhizobium meliloti Exopolysaccharide on Adsorption and Aggregation in the Copper(II) Ions/Supporting Electrolyte/Kaolinite System

by Katarzyna Szewczuk-Karpisz, Agnieszka Tomczyk, Iwona Komaniecka, Adam Choma, Agnieszka Adamczuk and Weronika Sofińska-Chmiel

Materials 2021, 14(8), 1950; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14081950 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

To obtain insight into physicochemical interactions between Cu(II) ions, kaolinite, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesized by Sinorhizobium meliloti Rm 1021 soil bacteria, an adsorption, electrokinetic, and aggregation study was performed in the selected systems. The obtained data showed that supporting electrolyte type affects both EPS and Cu(II) ions adsorption. For initial Cu(II) concentration 100 mg/L, 4.36 ± 0.25 mg/g (21.80 ± 1.00%) of the ions were adsorbed in 0.001 M NaCl and 3.76 ± 0.20 mg/g (18.80 ± 1.00%) in 0.001 M CaCl_2. The experimental data were best fitted to the Langmuir model as well as pseudo second-order equation. The EPS adsorbed amount on kaolinite was higher in the CaCl₂ electrolyte than in NaCl one. For an initial polymer concentration of 100 mg/L, the EPS adsorbed amount was 4.69 ± 0.08 mg/g (23.45 ± 0.40%) in 0.001 M NaCl and 5.26 ± 0.15 mg/g (26.32 ± 0.75%) in 0.001 M CaCl₂. In the mixed system, regardless of electrolyte type, exopolysaccharide contributed to immobilization of higher amount of copper(II) ions on the clay mineral. Also, in the samples containing heavy metal ions and exopolysaccharide simultaneously, the aggregation of kaolinite particles was the strongest. The results presented in the paper may be very helpful in soil bioremediation, especially in the development of technologies reducing the mobility of heavy metals in the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Eco-Friendly Adsorbent Materials for Removal of Inorganic and Organic Pollutants)

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