CADMIUM AND COPPER SORPTION ON PECTIN ENCAPSULATED IN CALCIUM ALGINATE BEADS

Pectin is an acidic polysaccharide constituted by monomer units of galacturonic acid. It is a main component of peel fruits where is present as protopectin. Due to the presence of a high number of carboxylic binding sites in its structure, pectin (Pect) shows a good sequestering capacity towards metal ions. Pectin has been proposed as a sorbent to remove metal ions from aqueous solutions. In this work the ability of pectin on solid phase to remove Cd(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions has been evaluated. To this end, a powder of a commercial pectin, (esterified potassium salt from Citrus fruit) was encapsulated in a polymeric matrix of calcium alginate (CA) at different ratios of pectin …

Protein aggregates for water purification

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies including lakes, rivers, oceans and it is a leading global risk factor for illness and death for people, plants and living organisms. A principal source of water pollution is industry, from which increasing amounts of toxic pollutants are released including heavy metals such as cobalt, lead and copper. Today various technologies for purifying contaminated water can be applied, a lot of them being typically expensive, ion specific and characterised by low efficiency. For these reason, the search of new biocompatible materials with increased capabilities is strongly needed.Protein aggregates have already revealed their potential as environm…

Thermodynamics of interaction between risedronic acid and metal cations: investigations in solution and in the solid state

Risedronic acid (see Figure 1) belongs to the class of biphosphonates (BP), widely used in the medical field to treat bone disorders. Bisphosphonates (BPs, e.g., alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate) help to maintain bone mass, to inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and to reduce the risk of both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. The clinical efficacy of BPs is mainly based on two key properties: their capacity to strongly bind hydroxyapatite crystals of bone, and their inhibitory effects on osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts. Interaction of risedronate with metal cations is poorly investigated. Qualitatively, it is indicated that adsorption of risedronate is in…

Combination of different advanced oxidation processes and activated carbons for treatment of salt water

Bilgewater is a corrosive polluted effluent from the bilge of ships that mainly originates from seawater infiltration and leakage of engine oil and fuel. Each year, thousands tons of hydrocarbons from bilge are discharged at sea. In order to prevent hydrocarbon discharge at sea from the bilge of ships, the Internation Maritime Organization (IMO) enacted the MARPOL 73/78 convention in which effluents are now limited to those with maximun oil content of 15 ppmv.

Lead(II) ions adsorption onto amyloid particulates: An in depth study

The production of new cost-effective biocompatible sorbent sustainable materials, with natural origins, able to remove heavy metals from water resources is nowadays highly desirable in order to reduce pollution and increase clean water availability. In this context, self-assembled protein materials with amyloid structures seem to have a great potential as natural platform for a broader development of highly-tunable structures. In this work we show how protein particulates, a generic form of protein aggregates, with spherical micro sized shape can be used as adsorbents of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution. The effect of pH, ionic medium, ionic strength and temperature of the metal ion solution…

3D MICROSIZED PROTEIN AMYLOID PARTICULATES AS EFFECTIVE BIOADSORBERS FOR Pb2+ IONS

The production of new cost-effective biocompatible sorbent sustainable materials, with natural origins, able to remove heavy metals from water resources is nowadays highly desirable in order to reduce pollution and increase clean water availability. In this context, self-assembled protein materials with highly ordered amyloid structures, stabilised by H-bonds, seems to have a great potential as natural platform for a broader development of highly-tunable structures. By suitably varying solution conditions it is possible to tune aggregate size, surface area and morphologies as well as their physicochemical (hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, swelling/deswelling properties) and mechanical proper…

Kinetic and equilibrium studies for uranyl removal from aqueous solution by adsorption onto alginate gel beads. DPV and ICP measurements

Synthesis, Structural characterization and Exafs investigations of new ruthenium(III) complexes.

Two new complexs of Ru(III) with glucosaminic acid and 1-Methyluracil, [RuCl2(Glun-N,O)2]H (I), (Glun-= glucosaminate); [RuCl4(1-MeU-N3)(DMSO)]H2.H2O (II), (1-MeU-= 1-Methyluracilate) were prepared from the same Ru(III) precursors, RuCl3•3H2O and [(DMSO)2H][trans-RuCl4(DMSO)2]. The characterization of the complexes have been carried out by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ES-MS, NMR and EXAFS.

LEAD(II) AND CADMIUM(II) REMOVAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS USING HAZELNUT AND ALMOND SHELLS SORBENT MATERIALS

Removal of toxic metal ions from natural and waste waters is of great importance for the health of living organisms and for environmental protection. Alternatively to the conventional chemical treatments, such as precipitation, reverse osmosis, etc, biosorption shows a growing interest for toxic metal ions removal from contaminated aqueous solutions. The sorption ability of every type of biomass towards metal ions depends on many variables that characterize the solution. Among these, the ionic strength (I) is one of the most important and cannot be neglected during an accurate adsorption study. For this reason and with the aim of quantitatively define the influence of I, here are reported t…

Solubility and acid-base properties and activity coefficients of chitosan in different ionic media and at different ionic strengths, at T=25°C

Studies on the acid-base properties and solubility of a polyammonium polyelectrolyte (chitosan) with different molecular weights (MW 310 and 50 kDa), were performed at T=25 °C, in the pH range 2.5–7. The protonation of chitosan was investigated by potentiometry ([H+]-glass electrode) in NaCl, NaNO3 and mixed NaNO3+Na2SO4 ionic media, at different ionic strengths. Protonation constants were calculated as a function of dissociation degree α by means of two different models, namely, a simple linear model and the modified Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. Experimental data were also fitted using a model independent of α (Diprotic-like model), according to which the acid-base properties can be sim…

Evaluation of adsorption ability of Cyclodextrin-Calixarene Nanosponges towards Pb2+ ion in aqueous solution

Abstract Different cyclodextrin-calixarene nanosponges (CyCaNSs) have been characterized by means of FFC-NMR relaxometry, and used as sorbents to remove Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Considering that the removal treatments may involve polluted waters with different characteristics, the adsorption experiments were performed on solutions without and with the addition of background salts, under different operational conditions. The adsorption abilities and affinities of the nanosponges towards Pb2+ ions were investigated by measuring the metal ion concentration by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DP-ASV…

Risedronate complexes with Mg2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+: Species thermodynamics and sequestering ability in NaCl(aq) at different ionic strengths and at T = 298.15 K

Abstract In this paper, potentiometry and calorimetry were used to determine the thermodynamics of interaction between risedronate and four bivalent metal cations, namely: Mg2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ in aqueous NaCl solutions at different ionic strengths and at T = 298.15 K. The data analysis allowed us to ascertain that the main species formed were the MLH2, MLH, ML and M2L; however scarcely soluble species precipitated at acidic pH values, between 4 and 7 depending on the metal cation involved, probably due to the formation of the neutral M2L(s) species. Comparison of the stability constants with other similar ligands suggests that metal complexation occurs through the phosphonate with an …

Enhancement of adsorption ability of calcium alginate gel beads towards Pd(II) ion. A kinetic and equilibrium study on hybrid Laponite and Montmorillonite–alginate gel beads

Abstract The adsorption ability of hybrid Montmorillonite and Laponite–calcium alginate gel beads towards Pd 2 + ion was studied in the pH range 2–4, in pure water and in aqueous NaCl solution at I = 0.01 mol L − 1 and T = 25 °C. The pseudo second order kinetic equation and the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit the kinetic and thermodynamic experimental data. A comparison of the results already published on the adsorption capacity of calcium alginate gel beads at the same experimental conditions was made. Enhancement of palladium(II) adsorption by alginate beads with the addition of the two clay minerals was obtained, with increments higher than 50% of Pd(II) ion recovered/…

Effect of pH Variations on the Properties of Cyclodextrin‐Calixarene Nanosponges

The pH-responsive properties of cyclodextrin-calixarene nanosponge co-polymeric materials have been investigated. In particular, ISE-H+ potentiometric titrations were carried out in order to evaluate the acid-base properties and the actual amount of ionizable sites present in the materials. Moreover, the relevant pH-dependent adsorption abilities were evaluated towards a set of selected model organic pollutant molecules by means of adsorption tests and by studying the corresponding adsorption isotherms. The latter ones could be suitably described by means of the Freundlich model. The whole of the experimental results enabled us to clarify some general aspects of the microscopic behavior of …

Speciation Studies of Bifunctional 3-Hydroxy-4-Pyridinone Ligands in the Presence of Zn2+ at Different Ionic Strengths and Temperatures

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Mercury(II) removal from aqueous solution by sorption onto alginate, pectate and polygalacturonate calcium gel beads. A kinetic and speciation based equilibrium study

Abstract Gel beads of calcium alginate, pectate and polygalacturonate salts have been tested as sorbent materials for mercury(II) removal from aqueous solutions. Physico-chemical properties of gel beads, defined by SEM–EDX, TGA and texture and density analysis, were correlated with gel beads sorption capacity towards Hg 2+ ion. A speciation study in aqueous solution was carried out to define the strength of interaction of mercury ion with the polymers investigated and to assess the more suitable experimental conditions to achieve the best effectiveness of Hg 2+ sorption by gel beads. On the basis of the speciation study, pH values in the 3–5.5 pH range were considered appropriated for mercu…

Activated Biochar From Posidonia Oceanica. A New Adsorbent Material of Hydrocarbons from Wastewater

Environmental pollution by petroleum derivatives is a very current topic. In particular, low concentration of this kind of pollutants can seriously compromise the life of animals and plants of aquatic ecosystems (Yu, 2017). The current legislation provides that bilgewater, wastewater produced by boats, can be discharged directly into the sea only if the total hydrocarbon concentration not exceds 15 mg L-1. In this work, new activated carbons were tested as adsorbent materials of oil / hydrocarbons from wastewater. Moreover, an instrumental technique able to quickly measure the required low hydrocarbons concentration is also proposed. The new activated carbons were obtained from bio-oil prod…

Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on halloysite nanotubes covered by a multilayer network for catalytic applications

The synthesis of pure fine chemicals for industrial purposes is one of the most attractive challenges of chemical research. The use of catalytic pathways mediated by palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) for C-C bond formation is a useful way to obtain these kinds of compounds. To achieve this objective, the PdNPs can be efficiently loaded on a functionalized natural nanostructured support such as halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Hybrid materials based on thiol functionalized halloysite nanotubes and highly cross-linked imidazolium salts were successfully developed and used for the stabilization of PdNPs. The HNT/Pd hybrids were thoroughly characterized from a physico-chemical point of view and teste…

Evaluation and comparison of trace metal accumulation in different tissues of potential bioindicator organisms: Macrobenthic filter feedersStyela plicata, Sabella spallanzanii, andMytilus galloprovincialis

Trace metal concentrations were measured in different tissues of Sabella spallanzanii, Styela plicata, and Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in the Termini Imerese Harbor (Sicily, Italy) to evaluate the potential use of these species as bioindicators. Higher bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated in the tube of S. spallanzanii, except for As, which had a higher BAF in the branchial crown of the same species. Regarding the other species analyzed, higher BAFs were found in the digestive gland of M. galloprovincialis. An exception was Pb, which was significantly more concentrated in the branchial basket and tunic of S. plicata. The BAFs calculated in the present study show that all t…

HYDROCARBONS REMOVAL FROM BILGE WATER BY ADSORPTION ONTO ACTIVATED BIOCHAR FROM POSIDONIA OCEANICA

The normal operations carried out on the boats during navigation generate waste waters such as oily bilge water. The latter is the aqueous mixture of potential pollutants of different origins and types: oily fluids, lubricants and greases, cleaning fluids and other wastes that accumulate in the lower part of the vessel [1,2]. The current legislation provides that they can be discharge directly into the sea if the concentrations of some components are below the expected limits. In particular, with regard to oil / hydrocarbons contamination, the current regulatory limit is 15 mg L-1 of total hydrocarbons. The present work starts from a public/private partnership funded by a grant of the Minis…

Functionalized Halloysite for enhanced removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions

During the last years several nanomaterials have been extensively used in the heavy metal ions removal from aqueous solutions. Among them, clay minerals have gathered particular interest owing to their unique features (e.g., high specific surface area, low toxicity and natural availability at low price). Halloysite nanotubes (Hal) are particular clay minerals with a predominantly hollow tubular structure. In this work Hal and their derivatives, Hal-NH2 and Hal-SH, were used as adsorbent materials of lead(II) and mercury(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption ability of clay nanomaterials towards toxic metal ions has been studied takeing into account important variables of the metal…

Protonation Constants of Halloysite Clay Nanotubes

Halloysite is one of the most interesting nano-structured clay materials. It is similar to kaolin but has a hollow tubular structure that can be attributable to particular crystallization conditions. Typically, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are formed by 15 – 20 aluminosilicate layers, has a length of 1 ± 0.5 μm and inner and outer diameters of 1 - 30 and 30 - 50 nm, respectively [1,2]. In each layer the SiOH and the AlOH groups are disposed on the external and the internal surfaces, respectively. The particular structure of HNTs makes this kind of material very useful for different purposes in several fields. Among the various applications, worth of mention are: i) their use as additive for …

Sequestering ability of landfill leachate towards toxic metal ions

The great part of municipal solid wastes is worldwide stored in sanitary landfills. The interaction of organic and inorganic wastes with rainwater produces in the landfill a leachate of extremely variable composition. It depends on several variables such as the type of wastes, the age of landfill, the pH, the redox potential, etc [1-2]. Four are the recognized categories of pollutants in landfill leachate: inorganic macrocomponents, dissolved organic matter (DOM), heavy metals and xenobiotic organic compounds [3]. In particular, heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, etc.) are usually present at concentration of few ppb and up to some ppm. A variable but consistent fraction …

Evaluation and comparison of trace metals accumulation in different tissues of potential bioindicator organisms: Macrobenthic filter feeders Styela plicata, sabella spallanzanii and Mytilus galloprovincialis

Trace metal concentrations were measured in different tissues of Sabella spallanzanii, Styela plicata and Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in Termini Imerese harbor, located in Sicily (Italy), in order to evaluate the potential use of these species as bioindicators. The higher bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated in tube of Sabella spallanzanii, except for As which shows the higher BAF in branchial crown of the same specie. Regarding the other species analyzed, higher BAFs were found in the digestive gland of Mytilus galloprovincialis. An exception is represented by Pb that is significantly more concentrated in branchial basket and tunic of Styela plicata. The BAFs here calcula…

Sequestration of alkyltin(IV) cations by complexation with amino-polycarboxylic chelating agents

Abstract The binding capacity of four amino-polycarboxylic ligands (APCs) [nitrilotriacetate (NTA), ethylenediamine- N , N , N′ , N′ -tetraacetate (EDTA), (S,S)-ethylenediamine- N , N ′-disuccinic acid (S,S-EDDS) and diethylenetriamine- N , N , N′ , N″ , N″ -pentaacetate (DTPA)] towards mono-, di- and tri-alkyltin(IV) cations [(CH 3 )Sn 3 + , (CH 3 ) 2 Sn 2 + , (C 2 H 5 ) 2 Sn 2 + , (CH 3 ) 3 Sn + or (C 2 H 5 ) 3 Sn + ] was studied, in aqueous solutions, by ISE-H + potentiometry, at I  = 0.1 mol L − 1 (NaCl) and at T  = 298.15 K. In all the systems R x Sn (4 − x)+  − APC (R = CH 3 or C 2 H 5 ) a strong 1:1 species is formed together with protonated, hydroxo and dinuclear complexes. The valu…

Complex species formation in chitosan-phosphate and chitosan-nucleotide systems in NaCl aqueous solution.

Functionalized halloysite nanotubes for enhanced removal of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions

In this study, environmental friendly halloysite nanotubes and their amino derivatives were used as adsorbent materials for lead(II) ions. The adsorption ability of both nanomaterials towards Pb2+ ions has been studied in NaClaq, at I = 0.1 mol L−1, in the pH range 3–6. Moreover, the effect of ionic strength on the adsorption process was evaluated at the pH of maximum efficiency of the adsorbent materials. Kinetic and equilibrium experiments were carried out by using the Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DP-ASV) technique to check the metal ion concentration in solution after contact with the two adsorbents. Different isotherm and kinetic equations were used to fit the experi…

Issues Related to the Restoration of Mirrors of the Wooden paliotto della chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso all’Albergheria, Sicily (Italy)

ABSTRACTIn this work, the decision-making process involved in the restoration of the eighteenth century paliotto ligneo (wooden altar frontal) della chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso all’Albergheria of Palermo is presented. Earlier research concerning mirror restoration was based on only a few case studies and the proposed techniques were not suitable for the artwork here. As a consequence, it was necessary to re-examine theories and protocols of modern restoration to plan an appropriate intervention of the altar frontal. Since in this artwork the role of mirrors is not to give back images, as usual, but rather to create special light effects and play of lights, this work aims to find an app…

Thermodynamics of Proton Binding of Halloysite Nanotubes

In this paper, new information on physical and chemical properties of the widely used nanostructured Halloysite mineral are reported. Given that the Halloysite has a tubular structure formed by a variable number of wrapped layers containing Si-OH and Al-OH groups, their proton binding affinity was measured at different ionic strengths and ionic media by means of potentiometric measurements in heterogeneous phase. One protonation constant for the Si-OH groups and two for the Al-OH groups were determined. The protonation constant values increase with increasing of the ionic strength in all the ionic media. This suggests that the presence of a background electrolyte stabilizes the protonated s…

Clay nanotubes for designing eco-compatible smart materials

Potential use of organotin(IV)-tripetide complexes as stopper in tumor cells growth.

Acid-base properties and sequestering abilities towards toxic metal ions of cyclodextrin-calixarene co-polymers

Smart materials with stimuli-responsive properties represent an interesting research area considering both their potential applications and the conceptual issues implied. They might be successfully employed in various fields, such as drug carrier/delivery devices to sensors, environment remediation, active packaging [1-2]. In this contest, we have recently synthesized various pH-responsive pre- and post-modified cyclodextrin-calixarene nanosponges (CyCaNSs) with 1,2,3-triazole linker units (ACNSs) able to vary their sequestering abilities towards organic and inorganic compounds. In particular, their adsorption properties were varied changing the molar ratio between the co-monomers, and the …

Complex formation of copper(II) and cadmium(II) with pectin and polygalacturonic acid in aqueous solution. An ISE-H + and ISE-Me 2+ electrochemical study

The acid-base properties of pectin and its ability to complex with copper(II) or cadmium(II) were quantitatively determined in order to define the ability of this natural polyelectrolyte to sequester metal ions. Potentiometric measurements carried out at different ionic strengths (0.1 - 0.7 mol L-1, in Na+ ionic medium) allowed us to define the acid-base properties of pectin together with the dependence of the protonation constants on ionic strength and to calculate the protonation constant at infinite dilution. The formation of complex species between pectin and copper(II) or cadmium(II) was investigated potentiometrically (using H+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ Ion Selective Electrodes, ISEs) in NaNO3 a…

Use of amino–polycarboxylic chelating agents for the sequestration of (CH3)Hg+ ion in aqueous solution

Among the mercury organic derivatives, mono-methylmercury (MMHg) is by far the most toxic form of mercury because of its high capacity to enter biological membranes and accumulate in living organisms [1], as shown by the biomagnification factors: ~104 from water to edible shell-fish (mussels), and 106 –108 from water to big fishes (e.g. tuna fish) at the top of food chain [2]. The presence of complexing agents in the environment, which form soluble complex species with MMHg, favours the mobility of the ion in the aquatic ecosystems. Among anthropogenic complexing molecules, the most used ones are the aminopolycarboxylic chelating agents (usually called with the acronym APC) which are employ…

Sorption of Pd(II) ion by calcium alginate gel beads at different chloride concentrations and pH. A kinetic and equilibrium study

Abstract A kinetic and thermodynamic study on the sorption ability of calcium alginate gel beads towards Pd(II) ion was made in aqueous solution at different pH and chloride concentrations. The experimental conditions adopted in the sorption experiments were established on the basis of a speciation study on the Pd 2+ -AA system in which all the side reactions, such as the hydrolysis of Pd(II), the protonation of alginate and the interactions of the ligand and the metal ion with ions of ionic medium were taken into account. In the pH range 2–5 and at chloride concentration in the range 0 ⩽ C Cl - /mmol L −1  ⩽ 10 the gel beads showed good sorption ability towards Pd(II) ion as confirmed by k…

Biochar from byproduct to high value added material – A new adsorbent for toxic metal ions removal from aqueous solutions

Abstract An activated biochar coming from pyrolysis of dead Posidonia oceanica residues has been tested as adsorbent material for Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions. The biomass, the activated and the non activated biochars were previously characterized by using several instrumental techniques. The pH of metal ion solution in kinetic and thermodynamic adsorption experiments was fixed at 5 whilst, the dependence on ionic medium, ionic strength and temperature have been evaluated carrying out batch experiments at different experimental conditions. Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy have been used to measure the metal ion concentr…

Sequestration of (CH3)Hg+ by amino‐polycarboxylic chelating agents

Abstract The speciation of mono-methylmercury(II) cation (MeHg+) in the presence of Nitrilotriacetate (NTA), Ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate (EDTA), diethylenetriamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetate (DTPA) and (S,S)- Ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (S,S-EDDS) was investigated at I = 0.1 mol L− 1 (NaCl) with the aim to assess a trend of sequestering capacity of the amino‐polycarboxylic (APCs) ligand class towards this cation in aqueous solution. The results obtained gave evidence for the formation of a mononuclear [MeHg(APC)] complex species, differently protonated MeHg(HiL) species (i = 1 to 3, depending on the APC considered), a mixed hydroxo species [MeHg(APC)(OH)] and a binuclear …

A study on the acid-base properties of pectin and poly-galacturonic acid

Hydrocarbons removal from synthetic bilge water by adsorption onto biochars of dead Posidonia oceanica.

AbstractBilge waters are wastewaters produced on boats during navigation and usually contain hydrocarbons and oils. They cannot be directly released into the sea if not below a hydrocarbons concentration limit set by current legislation. Appropriate oil in water separator (OWS) systems can be installed on board boats to remove hydrocarbons from bilge water allowing their spillage into the sea. These systems may contain an adsorption step on a suitable adsorbent. Here, biochars produced from pyrolysis of dead Posidonia oceanica, pristine or chemically activated, have been tested as hydrocarbons adsorbents. Adsorption experiments with aqueous dispersions simulating bilge waters containing a m…

Acid-base properties of halloysite clay nanotubes in NaCl medium

Speciation of chitosan with low and high molecular weight carboxylates in aqueous solution

Quantitative data on the speciation of chitosan (310 kDa) with low and high molecular weight carboxylates in aqueous solution are reported. The following carboxylic ligands were considered: monocarboxylate (butyrate); dicarboxylates (malonate, succinate, azelate); tricarboxylate (1,2,3-propa- netricarboxylate); tetracarboxylate (1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate); polyacrylates (2.0 and 20 kDa); polymethacrylate (5.4 kDa). The investigation was performed by potentiometry at t 1/4 25 C, at low ionic strength (without addition of supporting electrolyte) and at I 1/4 0:15 mol L 1 (NaCl). For all the systems the formation of (chitosan)LHi species was found (L 1/4 carboxylic ligand; i 1/4 1 to 4 de…

EFFECT OF IONIC STRENGTH AND MEDIUM COMPOSITION ON THE REMOVAL OF Pb2+ BY ALGINATE GEL BEADS. DPVASV AND ICP-OES MEASUREMENTS.

The biosorption, i.e. a passive sequestering process by metabolically inactive biomass, shows a growing interest for toxic metal ions removal from contaminated aqueous solutions (1), such as municipal and industrial wastewaters. Since the sorption mechanism occurs mainly by ion exchange between the metal ion present in solution and the counter ion of the biopolymer (2), the efficiency of the sorption process largely depends on ionic strength and on the medium composition of solution containing the metal ion to be removed. In order to evaluate quantitatively the influence of ionic strength and medium on the metal removal process by the biomass, we report here results of a study on the sorpti…

Sustainable soy protein microsponges for efficient removal of lead (II) from aqueous environments

Protein-based materials recently emerged as good candidates for water cleaning applications, due to the large availability of the constituent material, their biocompatibility and the ease of preparation. In this work, new adsorbent biomaterials were created from Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) in aqueous solution using a simple environmentally friendly procedure. Protein microsponge-like structures were produced and characterized by means of spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy methods. The efficiency of these structures in removing Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions was evaluated by investigating the adsorption mechanisms. The molecular structure and, consequently, the physico-chemical propert…

Modelling of protonation constants of halloysite clay nanotubes in various aqueous media, at different ionic strengths

In the last decade nanoparticles have assumed more and more importance because of their particular properties mainly due to the nanometer-scale dimensions that confer them a large surface/volume ratio. Among nanomaterials one of the most studied is the halloysite that, as well as the other natural clay minerals is safe for human and environmental friendly. Halloysite is abundant and cheap and is present in large deposits worldwide like those in New Zealand, France, Belgium and China [1,2]. It is similar to kaolin but has a hollow tubular structure that can be attributable to particular crystallization conditions. Typically, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are formed by 15 – 20 aluminosilicate l…

SORPTION OF CD2+ AND CU2+ IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS BY ALGINATE AND ALGINATE/PECTIN GEL BEADS.

Removal of toxic metal ions from natural waters, wastewaters and contaminated sites is of great importance for the health of living organism and for environmental protection (1). Alternatively to the conventional chemical treatments, such as precipitation, reverse osmosis, etc, that are expensive and of high environmental impact, the use of low cost and environmental friendly sorbent materials is a very promising new technology for meal ions removal (2,3). The most investigated sorbent materials are of organic origin derived from the natural biomass (algae, fungi, bacteria) and from industrial processes, such as wood, agriculture, fishery, textile manufacturing, etc. Also some inorganic mat…

Complexes of chitosan with low and high molecular weight carboxylic ligands in aqueous solution.

Experimental and robust modeling approach for lead(II) uptake by alginate gel beads: influence of the ionic strength and medium composition.

Abstract Systematic kinetic and equilibrium studies on the lead ions removal ability by Ca-alginate gel beads have been performed by varying several internal parameters, namely, number of gel beads, nature and composition of the ionic medium and pH, which allowed us to model a wastewater in order to closely reproduce the composition of a real sample. Moreover, the effects brought about the different ionic species present in the reacting medium have been evaluated. Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DP-ASV), has been systematically used to perform kinetic and equilibrium measurements over continuous time in a wide range of concentration. Kinetic and equilibrium data have been q…

Kinetic and equilibrium study for cadmium and copper removal from aqueous solutions by sorption onto mixed alginate/pectin gel beads

Abstract Kinetic and equilibrium studies have been carried out to evaluate Cd(II) and Cu(II) sorption from aqueous solution by calcium alginate and new synthesized hybrid calcium alginate/pectate gel beads with different alginate/pectate concentration ratios. Physical and chemical properties of the beads were characterized by different techniques (SEM, EDX, TGA). The best experimental pH conditions were selected on the basis of a study on the acid–base properties of pectin and alginate in aqueous solution and their ability to act as sequestering agents for copper(II) and cadmium(II) ions. Calcium released during the sorption process was determined in order to elucidate a possible ion exchan…

Organotin(IV)derivatives neurotoxicity and their modulation by Baclofen

Several new diorganotin(IV) and triorganotin(IV) complexes with 4-amino-3- (4-chloro phenyl)]-butanoic acid ( = Baclofen) have been synthesized and their structure investigated both in the solid state and in solution phase through spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, Mössbauer, 1H and 13C NMR). According to experimental analytical data, the stoichiometry of the complexes has been proposed as R2SnBac2 and R3SnBac, respectively for diorganotin(IV) and triorganotin(IV) baclofen complexes. (Baclofen = HBac; R = Me, Bu, Ph).

Mercury(II) removal from aqueous solutions by alginate and pectin sorbent materials. Kinetic and equilibrium study

Complex species formation in the pectin-cadmium(II) and pectin-copper(II) systems in aqueous solution.

Kinetic and equilibrium study for Pd(II) removal from aqueous solution by sorption onto calcium alginate gel beads

The more and more increasing use of catalytic converters to reduce the dangerous NOx and CO emission in the atmosphere by vehicle traffic produces a corresponding increase of palladium in the environment [1]. Among the so-called “platinum group Elements” (PGE), elemental palladium seems to be the most hazardous one because it can be easily and quickly oxidized to palladium(II) when put in contact with soil. The presence of palladium oxidized form is of great concern owing to its recognized toxicity towards plants, animals and humans. Therefore, as for the classical “heavy metals”, a removal of this element from the environment is needed and a subsequent recovery for its potential re-use is …

Combination of advanced oxidation processes and active carbons adsorption for the treatment of simulated saline wastewater

Abstract In the present work, an integrated process combining three different technologies, i.e. heterogeneous photocatalysis, homogeneous ozonation and adsorption on granular activated carbon (GAC) was used for the treatment of a synthetic solution simulating saline wastewater. The synergistic effects between the different methods enhance the oxidation rate of the organic compounds in the integrated process, so that its use may result sustainable. It has been found that a relatively low oxidation rate is sufficient to obtain the highest synergy between the three technologies and to maximize the performances. In particular, coupling ozonation and photocatalysis resulted in 20% enhancement i…

FUNCTIONALIZED HALLOYSITE NANOTUBES FOR ENHANCED REMOVAL OF Hg2+ IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

AbstractWater is essential for humans, animals, and plants; pollutants, usually derived from anthropogenic activities, can have a serious effect on its quality. Heavy metals are significant pollutants and are often highly toxic to living organisms, even at very low concentrations. Among the numerous removal techniques proposed, adsorption onto suitable adsorbent materials is considered to be one of the most promising. The objective of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) functionalized with organic amino or thiol groups as adsorbent materials to decontaminate polluted waters, using the removal of Hg2+ ions, one of the most dangerous heavy metals…

Thermodynamic Study For The Protonation Of Halloysite

The Halloysite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4·2H2O) is an abundant and cheap clay and is considered one of the most promising nano structured and naturally occurring clay mineral. Large deposits of this material are present in France, Belgium, China, New Zealand and USA [1,2]. Among the spheroidal, tubular or platy morphologies, the tubular is the most common and abundant one. Typically, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are formed by 15 – 20 aluminosilicate layers, having a length of 1 ± 0.5 μm, and inner and outer diameters of 10 – 15 nm and 50 -70 nm, respectively [1]. In each layer, the SiOH and the AlOH groups are disposed on the external and the internal surfaces, respectively. As consequence, in each nano…

Bio-char from dead Posidonia oceanica residues as adsorbent towards toxic metal ions

Recently, the pyrolysis of biomass from different algal species and from the Mediterranean sea plant Posidonia oceanica have been proposed for renewable fuel production with a maximum oil yield of 54.97% at 500°C, and high heating values of 24-32 MJ kg-1[1,2]. The pyrolysis produces a large amount of bio-char and the accumulation of this byproduct may cause solid waste pollution problems. Although the composition and properties of bio-char depend on the raw material and on the carbonization process, it is on average composed of amorphous carbon with a highly functionalized surface, which makes it reactive towards inorganic and organic compounds [3]. Considering the reactivity of bio-char, t…

8-Hydroxyquinoline-2-Carboxylic Acid as Possible Molybdophore: A Multi-Technique Approach to Define Its Chemical Speciation, Coordination and Sequestering Ability in Aqueous Solution.

8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxylic acid (8-HQA) has been found in high concentrations (0.5&ndash

Pb(II) adsorption by a novel activated carbon - alginate composite material. A kinetic and equilibrium study.

The adsorption capacity of an activated carbon – calcium alginate composite material (ACAA-Ca) has been tested with the aim of developing a new and more efficient adsorbent material to remove Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution. The study was carried out at pH = 5, in NaCl medium and in the ionic strength range 0.1–0.75 mol L−1. Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DP-ASV) technique was used to check the amount of Pb(II) ion removed during kinetic and equilibrium experiments. Different kinetic (pseudo first order, pseudo second order and Vermuelen) and equilibrium (Langmuir and Freundlich) models were used to fit experimental data, and were statistically compared. Calcium alginate …

Optimization of coupled advanced oxidation processes and activated carbons for purification of salt water

Photocatalysis, ozonation and activated carbons were investigated separately and in combination as tools for the purification of polluted salt water. Coupling different processes enables to overcome many drawbacks related to the use of the single technologies and at the same time to exploit possible synergistic effects. In this work a kinetic analysis was performed for modelling the degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4NP) as a probe pollutant molecule in synthetic seawater. Thus, the optimum synergistic conditions of the three processes acting together were determined and discussed.

Synthesis, Characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of dialkyltin(IV)bis(fusidate) complexes.

The complexation of one steroid antibiotic of the fusidane family, sodium fusidate [sodium 2-16-acetyloxy-3,11-dihydroxy-4,8,10,14-tetramethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,9,11,12, 13,15,16-dodeca hydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-7-ylidene)-6-methyl-hept-5-enoate = (Nafus)], by dialkyltin(IV) has been studied by conventional technique as FT-IR, Mössbauer and NMR spectroscopies. Analytical data supported the general formula Alk2Sn(IV)fus2 (Alk = Me, Bu). Infrared spectral data of the complexes imply the presence of both uni- and bidentate, ester-type and bridging carboxylate group, respectively. On the basis of FT-IR and 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy, in both Me2Sn(IV)fus2 and Bu2Sn(IV)fus2, trigonal bipyram…

A critical approach to the toxic metal ion removal by hazelnut and almond shells

The adsorption capacity of ground hazelnut (HS) and almond (AS) shells towards Pb(II) and Cd(II) has been studied at pH = 5, in NaNO3 and NaCl ionic media, in the ionic strength range 0.05-0.5 mol L-1. Kinetic and equilibrium experiments were carried out by using the Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry technique to check the amount of the metal ion removed by HS and AS materials. Different kinetic and equilibrium equations were used to fit experimental data and a statistical study was done to establish the suitable model for the data fitting. A speciation study of the metal ions in solution was also done in order to evaluate the influence of the ionic medium on the adsorption pr…

A novel thermodynamic approach for the complexation study of toxic metal cations by a landfill leachate

Landfill leachates can contaminate nearby aquifers. The hazards deriving from this contamination also depend on the chemical speciation of various contaminants. A novel approach is proposed here to face this problem from a chemical thermodynamics point of view. The complexing ability of the soluble fraction of a landfill leachate (collected from Bellolampo, Palermo, Italy) towards Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+ has been investigated at T = 298.15 K in NaClaq at I = 0.1 mol dm−3. The soluble fraction of the landfill leachate was first characterized by different analytical techniques. Then, its acid–base properties were studied by ISE-H+ potentiometric titrations and modelled by the so-called diprotic-l…