Removal of Phenol and Chlorophenols from Aquatic System Using Activated Clinoptilolite

Abstract

Chemical contamination of water from a wide range of toxic compounds, in particular aromatic molecules, is a serious environmental problem owing to their potential human toxicity. In this study, activated clinoptilolite from ManisaGördes region (AMGC) was investigated for removal of phenol and chlorophenols (i.e. o-chlorophenol, m-chlorophenol and p-chlorophenol). AMGC was characterized by FT-IR, TG/DTA, BET Surface Area, SEM, XRD, and XRF methods. Adsorption rates of phenol and chlorophenols were very high, and equilibrium was achieved in about 45 min. The maximum adsorptions of phenol and chlorophenols onto the AMGC were 7.977 mg/g for phenol, 9.846 mg/g for o-chlorophenol, 9.981 mg/g for m-chlorophenol, and 8.241 mg/g for p-chlorophenol. The effect of various parameters like adsorbent dose, pH and initial concentration were studied for their optimization. The adsorption values of phenol and chlorophenols decreased with increasing pH. Desorption of phenol and chlorophenols was achieved using ethanol solution (30%, v/v). The rate of adsorption of phenol and chlorophenols were found to be maximum at pH 6.25. Equilibrium adsorption data for phenol and chlorophenols were analyzed by using Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms. It was found that Freundlich adsorption isotherm is the most suitable model.