Cerium dioxide and composites for the removal of toxic metal ions

The presence of contaminants in potable water is a cause of worldwide concern. In particular, the presence of metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium can affect human health. There is thus a need for advanced techniques of water decontamination. Adsorbents based on cerium dioxide (CeO₂), also named ‘ceria,’ have been used to remove contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, lead and cadmium. Ceria and composites display high surface area, controlled porosity and morphology, and abundance of functional groups. They have already found usage in many applications including optical, semiconductor and catalysis. Exploiting their attractive features for water treatment would unravel their potential. We review the potential of ceria and its composites for the removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous medium. The article discusses toxic contaminants in water and their impact on human health; the synthesis and adsorptive behavior of ceria-based materials including the role of morphology and surface area on the adsorption capacity, best fit adsorption isotherms, kinetic models, possible mechanisms, regeneration of adsorbents; and future perspectives of using metal oxides such as ceria. The focus of the report is the generation of cost-effective oxides of rare-earth metal, cerium, in their standalone and composite forms for contaminant removal.     

Studies on the utility of plant cellulose waste for the bioadsorption of crystal violet dye

Several synthetic dyes employed in textile and food industries are discharged into aquatic environment. These visible pollutants in water damage environment, as they are carcinogenic and toxic to humans. The use of cost effective and ecofriendly plant cellulose based adsorbents have been studied in batch experiments as an alternative and effective substitution of activated carbon for the removal of toxic dyes from waste water. Adsorbents prepared from sugarcane baggase, were successfully used to remove certain textile dye such as crystal violet from an aqueous solution. The present investigation potentiate the use of sugarcane baggase, pretreated with formaldehyde (referred as Raw Baggase) and sulphuric acid (referred as Chemically Activated Baggase), for the removal of crystal violet dye from simulated waste water. Experiments were carried out at neutral pH with various parameters like dye concentration, temperature, contact time and adsorbent dosage. Efficiency of raw baggase was found better than chemically activated baggase for adsorption of crystal violet dye. The data obtained perfectly fits in the Freundlich adsorption isotherm.     

Electrochemistry: as cause and cure in water pollution—an overview

This article reviews both the pollution by the electrochemical industry and the use of electrochemistry to clean water. Main pollutants include Pd, Cd, Ni, Hg and other metals and cyanide as well as organic pollutants. The cause for water pollution by electrochemistry is due to the effluents from different electrochemical industries such as mercury from chlor-alkali industry; lead, cadmium and mercury from battery industry; heavy metals and organic contaminants from electroplating wastes; contaminants from corrosion processes; and persistent organic pollutants from the synthesis and use of pesticides, dyes and pharmaceuticals. Most pollutants can be successfully eliminated or converted to non-toxic materials by methods based on the electrochemical principles. Electrochemical depolluting methods are mainly electrodialysis, electrocoagulation, electroflotation, anodic processes, cathodic processes and electrochemical advanced oxidation processes.     

Biocompatible self-healing hydrogels based on boronic acid-functionalized polymer and laponite nanocomposite for water pollutant removal

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Global water pollution by organic dyes and metals may be solved by adsorption. In particular, hydrogel adsorbents display unique...     

利用非活体生物质去除废水中重金属的研究

为了解非活体牛物质去除废水中重金属的效果，选择了玉米芯、水稻谷壳、花生壳、松树树皮和茶叶等5种非活体生物质，州室内模拟方法比较研究了它们对重金属的吸附能力。结果表明，生物质对重金属的吸附是一个快速反应，可在20-30min内达到平衡。pH值对牛物质吸附阳离子型重金属有很大的影响，吸附量随pH值上升而增加，pH值在4．5以上时可达到较高水平。5种生物质对重金属都有较高吸附能力，它们吸附重金属的能力依次为：花生壳〉松树树皮〉玉米芯〉水稻谷壳〉茶叶。生物质去除废水中重金属的效果一般为：Cu、Pb〉Cd〉Zn。用碱、柠檬酸和磷酸对生物质进行改性处理可显著增强其对重金属的去除能力。生物质是一种廉价、有效的吸附剂，可替代商品吸附剂用于废水中重金属的去除，主要重金属的移除率在85％以上。     

Adsorption in combination with ozonation for the treatment of textile waste water: a critical review

Intrusion of synthetic textile dyes in the ecosystem has been recognized as a serious issue worldwide. The effluents generated from textiles contain large amount of recalcitrant unfixed dyes which are regarded as emerging contaminants in the field of waste water study. Removal of various toxic dyes often includes diverse and complex set of physico-chemical, biological and advanced oxidation processes adopted for treatment. Adsorption in itself is a well-known technique utilized for treatment of textile effluents using a variety of adsorbents. In addition, ozonation deals with effective removal of dyes using high oxidising power of ozone. The review summarizes dye removal study by a combination of ozonation and adsorption methods. Also, to acquire an effective interpretation of this combined approach of treating wastewater, a thorough study has been made which is deliberated here. Results assert that, with the combined ability of ozone and a catalyst/adsorbent, there is high possibility of total elimination of dyes from waste water. Several synthetically prepared materials have been used along with few natural materials during the combined treatment. However, considering practical applicability, some areas were identified during the study where work needs to be done for effective implementation of the combined treatment.

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Utilization of fly ash in adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater

The aim of this study was to assess the toxicity reduction of wastewaster after treatment with fly ash. Fly ash is a waste material which is formed as a result of coal burning in power plants, but has the potential to adsorb heavy metal ions. The present study examined the adsorption capacity of fly ash to adsorb Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ from waste water under different conditions of contact time, pH, and temperature. Uptake of metal ions by fly ash generally rose with increasing pH. At lower temperatures the uptake of heavy metal adsorption were enhanced. Significant reduction in Pb²⁺ (79%), Cu²⁺ (53%), and Zn²⁺ (80%) content was found after treatment with fly ash of waste water treatment. Using the microtox test toxicity of the effluent was reduced by 75% due to removal of Pb²⁺ ion by the fly ash. Data indicated that fly ash generated by power plants may be used beneficially to remove metals from waste water.     

石墨基复合材料负载零价纳米铁吸附重金属离子的研究进展

工业废水中重金属的存在威胁着环境和人类健康,有效去除环境中的重金属离子具有重要意义.论文简要介绍了近年来石墨基复合材料负载纳米零价铁(nZVI)去除废水中重金属离子的研究,探讨了多种石墨基负载nZVI复合材料对重金属离子的吸附特性和环境条件对吸附性能的影响因素,并对其未来的研究和应用进行了总结和展望.     

Removal of heavy metals by biosorption

Industrialization and urbanization have resulted in increased releases of toxic heavy metals into the natural environment comprising soils, lakes, rivers, groundwaters and oceans. Research on biosorption of heavy metals has led to the identification of a number of microbial biomass types that are extremely effective in bioconcentrating metals. Biosorption is the binding and concentration of adsorbate from aqueous solutions by certain types of inactive and dead microbial biomass. The novel types of biosorbents presently reviewed are grouped under fungal biomass, biomass of non-living, dried brown marine algae, agricultural wastes and residues, composite chitosan biosorbent prepared by coating chitosan, cellulose-based sorbents and bacterial strains. The reports discussed in this review collectively suggest the promise of biosorption as a novel and green bioremediation technique for heavy metal pollutants from contaminated natural waters and wastewaters.     

Removal of As(V) and Sb(V) in aqueous solution by Mg/Al-layered double hydroxide-incorporated polyethersulfone polymer beads (PES-LDH)

To develop a novel granular adsorbent to remove arsenic and antimony from water, calcined Mg/Al-layered double-hydroxide (CLDH)-incorporated polyethersulfone (PES) granular adsorbents (PES-LDH) were prepared using a core-shell method having 25% PES in an N,N-dimethylformamide solution. The PES-LDH displayed a spherical hollow shape having a rough surface and the average particle size of 1–2 mm. On the PES-LDH surface, nanosized CLDH (100–150 nm) was successfully immobilized by consolidation between PES and CLDH. The adsorption of Sb(V) by PES-LDH was found to be more favorable than for As(V), with the maximum adsorption capacity of As(V) and Sb(V) being 7.44 and 22.8 mg/g, respectively. The regeneration results indicated that a 0.5 M NaOH and 5 M NaCl mixed solution achieved an 80% regeneration efficiency in As(V) adsorption and desorption. However, the regeneration efficiency of Sb(V) gradually decreased due to its strong binding affinity, even though the PES-LDH showed much higher Sb(V) adsorption efficiency than As(V). This study suggested that PES-LDH could be a promising granular adsorbent for the remediation of As(V) and Sb(V) contained in wastewater.

     

Glutathione-functionalized melamine sponge,a mimic of a natural antidote,as a quick responsive adsorbent for efficient removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions

Minamata disease is caused by methylmercury, which is produced by microorganisms from inorganic mercury ions, Hg(II), in the aquatic environment. Adsorption is a feasible method to remove Hg(II) from waters, but there are some drawbacks when using conventional adsorbents, for example, tedious solid–liquid separation, slow response, and excessive residual levels of mercury. In this work, a novel spongy adsorbent has been developed for Hg(II) removal via surface functionalization of melamine formaldehyde sponge by glutathione. This material mimics a natural antidote that removes trace heavy metals in the human body. Results show that the functionalized sponge displays a 99.99% removal efficiency for low concentrations of Hg(II) of 10 mg/L. As a consequence, the residual Hg concentration is lower than 0.005 mg/L, which is slightly below the standard for total mercury in drinking water, of 0.006 mg/L, formulated by the World Health Organization, and much lower that the discharge regulation standard, of 0.01 mg/L, set by the ministry of environmental protection of China. Adsorption kinetic studies indicate that the functionalized sponge has a fast response. Indeed, the adsorption equilibrium can be reached within 10 min, and about 80% of total adsorption capacities are reached in 1 min. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity of the glutathione-functionalized sponge is as high as 240.02 mg/g, as shown by adsorption isotherm. Overall our findings disclose the great potential of the developed sponge adsorbent for rapid and efficient removal of Hg(II) from water.     

A homogeneous and low-cost biosorbent for Cd,Pb and Cu removal from aqueous effluents

Heavy metal pollution of aqueous effluents is a matter of widespread concern. The use of low-cost materials for the adsorption of heavy metals seems to be a suitable choice for waste water treatment. Polyporus tenuiculus, easily cultivated on lignocellulosic waste, was assayed for Cu, Pb and Cd removal from aqueous solutions. Pb was removed more efficiently. Kinetics studies suggested a pseudo-second-order reaction and equilibrium was reached in ～ 30 min in all cases. The metal-sorption data were analysed according to several two-parameter isotherms. Data better fitted the Langmuir model for the three metals. A great dependence of metal adsorption with pH was observed. Characterisation of both the biomass and the complex metal-biomass was performed by FT-IR and SEM-EDX. Results suggest an ion exchange mechanism.     

The microbiological control of mine waste pollution

The removal of heavy metals and neutralisation of acidity in mine waste waters by algae and bacteria are reviewed. Algal growths in artificial meander systems have been shown to remove significant quantities of heavy metals and fine particulates from mine waste waters. Bacterial systems for the oxidation of ferrous iron and the reduction of sulphate leading to neutralisation of acidity are described. The use of bacterial extracellular polymers in the removal of heavy metals from solution is discussed with reference to its application to acid mine waters. It is concluded that a combination of bacterial and algal systems with process optimisation, including nutrient amendment, may provide suitable treatment for mine waste waters. Metal-resistant bacteria may also be important in reclamation, where it is possible that they can confer some degree of tolerance on the plants used to revegetate metal-contaminated tailings dumps.     

Biosorption of copper from aqueous solutions by date stones and palm-trees waste

The removal of toxic metals from wastewaters by biosorption, based on the metal-binding capacities of various biological materials, has received much interest. However, the success of this approach depends on economic feasibility, which can be obtained by optimization of the environmental conditions. This paper evaluates, for the first time, the use of low-cost biosorbent (date stones (DS) and palm-tree waste (PTW)) to eliminate Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The effect of some parameters on copper biosorption has been studied using date stones and palm-tree waste as solid sorbents. Results show that the highest percentage of copper adsorption was obtained for the smallest size of the sorbent particles. The biosorption process was found to occur rapidly, i.e. the maximum sorption capacity was reached within 20 min. The process involved pseudo-second-order kinetics with an activation energy value within the normal range considered for processes, where a physical interaction between the sorbate and the sorbent solid predominated. The thermodynamic parameters of the copper ions uptake onto the solid sorbents indicated that, the process was endothermic and proceeds spontaneously from the date stones. However, the thermodynamic studies of the adsorption of copper on palm-tree waste indicated that the process was exothermic and proceeds spontaneously.     

Biosorbents for solid-phase extraction of toxic elements in waters

Some trace metals are highly toxic for the environment. There is therefore a need for reliable methods for the determination of metals at trace levels. To this end, new sample pretreatment methods such as separation, preconcentration and speciation prior to the determination of metal ions have developed rapidly. Biosorption has become a major tool for solid-phase extraction methods. This review covers selected biosorbents such as algae, bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts, as new sorbents used in the solid-phase extraction of metal ions from various water sample matrices. A survey of the literature over 2004-2014 shows possible applications of selected new sorbents available for use in trace metal analysis in waters using solidphase extraction. We highlight the preconcentration of the toxic elements prior to their determination by atomic spectrometry.     

Polyurethane for removal of organic dyes from textile wastewater

Synthetic organic dyes are extensively used in consumer products from textile to pharmaceuticals. A large amount of organic dyes is ultimately discharged as effluent into water bodies, thus posing a serious threat to environment and life. Therefore, removal of dyes from water bodies is needed. To address this problem, various synthetic and natural materials have been used to adsorb dyes. Here, we review the application of polyurethane for removal of organic dyes. First, we review the application of simple and modified polyurethane as efficient and economic adsorbents for dyes. Secondly, we review the polyurethane-based membranes for separation and adsorption of various dyes. Thirdly, we describe polyurethane composites with improved efficiency of dyes removal. Finally, we review the bioremediation of dyes where polyurethane has been proven as an excellent inert support.     

Biofuel production,hydrogen production and water remediation by photocatalysis,biocatalysis and electrocatalysis

The energy crisis and environmental pollution have recently fostered research on efficient methods such as environmental catalysis to produce biofuel and to clean water. Environmental catalysis refers to green catalysts used to breakdown pollutants or produce chemicals without generating undesirable by-products. For example, catalysts derived from waste or inexpensive materials are promising for the circular economy. Here we review environmental photocatalysis, biocatalysis, and electrocatalysis, with focus on catalyst synthesis, structure, and applications. Common catalysts include biomass-derived materials, metal–organic frameworks, non-noble metals nanoparticles, nanocomposites and enzymes. Structure characterization is done by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller isotherm, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy. We found that water pollutants can be degraded with an efficiency ranging from 71.7 to 100%, notably by heterogeneous Fenton catalysis. Photocatalysis produced dihydrogen (H₂) with generation rate higher than 100 μmol h⁻¹. Dihydrogen yields ranged from 27 to 88% by methane cracking. Biodiesel production reached 48.6 to 99%.

     

Optimisation of bisphenol A removal from water using chemically modified pine bark and almond shell

The ability of pine bark and almond shells to remove bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solutions was evaluated. Samples of these traditional agro-forestry by-products were milled, sieved into different particle size fractions (0.10–0.15 and 1.5–2.0 mm) and submitted to two different types of treatment. Sorption experiments were conducted in a batch system at room temperature and natural pH. Sorption equilibrium was attained after 48 h for all systems under study. Bisphenol A was adsorbed more effectively on the smaller particles of the sorbents. Pine bark and almond shell pretreated with formaldehyde presented higher sorption efficiency (95%), followed by almond shell (87%) and pine bark (82%) washed with hot water. All the sorption isotherms were found to fit a Freundlich equation, with correlation coefficients (R ²) between 0.823 and 0.989. The sorption coefficient (K _F) ranged from 0.06 to 0.74 (mg^1?1/n ·L ^1/n ·g ^?1). These results indicate that utilisation of both materials as an alternative sorbent for the removal of bisphenol A from contaminated waters is promising because they are available in large amounts and have an acceptable cost–efficiency ratio when compared with traditional adsorbents.     

A review of combinations of electrokinetic applications

Anthropogenic activities contaminate many lands and underground waters with dangerous materials. Although polluted soils occupy small parts of the land, the risk they pose to plants, animals, humans, and groundwater is too high. Remediation technologies have been used for many years in order to mitigate pollution or remove pollutants from soils. However, there are some deficiencies in the remediation in complex site conditions such as low permeability and complex composition of some clays or heterogeneous subsurface conditions. Electrokinetic is an effective method in which electrodes are embedded in polluted soil, usually vertically but in some cases horizontally, and a low direct current voltage gradient is applied between the electrodes. The electric gradient initiates movement of contaminants by electromigration (charged chemical movement), electro-osmosis (movement of fluid), electrolysis (chemical reactions due to the electric field), and diffusion. However, sites that are contaminated with heavy metals or mixed contaminants (e.g. a combination of organic compounds with heavy metals and/or radionuclides) are difficult to remediate. There is no technology that can achieve the best results, but combining electrokinetic with other remediation methods, such as bioremediation and geosynthetics, promises to be the most effective method so far. This review focuses on the factors that affect electrokinetic remediation and the state-of-the-art methods that can be combined with electrokinetic.     

A new method to inertize incinerator toxic fly ash with silica from rice husk ash

Fly ash from municipal solid waste incineration is a toxic waste due to the presence of toxic heavy metals. Here, a new method for metal stabilization based on the use of silica gel extracted from rice husk ash is presented. This method is sustainable because of the use of only waste materials to produce a final inert product, and because the inertization procedure occurs at room temperature. The estimated maximum Pb adsorption capacity of extracted silica, of about 36 mg/g, is found to be far greater than the adsorption capacity of other known absorbers used for municipal solid waste incineration fly ash.