We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Raffia palm seed shell-derived carbon for the removal of microplastics, cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) from polluted surface water
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an activated carbon filter material from raffia palm seed shells to remove microplastics, cadmium, and copper from polluted surface water. The filtration system successfully reduced plastic contamination, and the carbon material demonstrated effective adsorption of heavy metals from simulated wastewater. The study presents a low-cost, locally sourced approach to water treatment that could help address multiple contaminants simultaneously.
The presence of microplastics and metals in drinking water constitute human health risk. The objective of this study is to remove plastics through filter bed made from raffia palm seed shell and carry out adsorption study to remove Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ from simulated waste water. The water was subjected to Gas Chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method of analysis before and after filtration while activated carbon derived from raffia palm seed shell was used to adsorb the metals. Fourier transformed infrared spectrometric (FTIR) analysis and Scan electron spectroscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the adsorbent before and after the experiment. The results showed that traces of degraded microplastics was recorded with a marginal decrease of 0.03% after filtration when the retention time recorded was compared with values in literature. The results of adsorption experiment showed that the maximum adsorption (qm) for Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ are 45.1mgL-1 and 202 mgL-1 respectively for Langmuir isotherm while r 2 of 0.266 and 0.908 were recorded respectively for Freundlich isotherm. The FTIR showed broad O-H peak recorded at 3675.2 cm⁻¹, and carbonyl (-C=O-) at 1617.7 cm⁻¹ before adsorption while after adsorption, small none- intense peaks were recorded. Variation of pore sizes were recorded with SEM analysis. The raffia palm seed shell carbon is effective for the adsorption of Cd and Cu but not very good for the removal of plastics.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Removal from Water Using Biomass‐Based Carbon: A Review of Recent Advances
AI summary Read the abstract
This review evaluates the potential of carbon materials derived from biomass, such as agricultural waste and wood, for removing microplastics from water. Researchers found that these materials offer advantages including low cost, abundant raw material sources, and effective removal capabilities. The study highlights biomass-derived carbon as a promising sustainable technology for addressing microplastic contamination in aquatic environments.
Enhanced removal of PVC nanoplastics from water using microwave-activated palm frond biochar
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a low-cost sorbent from palm-frond agricultural waste by microwave activation and NaOH treatment, and further produced a magnetically retrievable composite for enhanced removal of PVC nanoplastics from water. The modified palm-frond biochar demonstrated substantially improved nanoplastic adsorption capacity compared to unmodified biochar, offering a sustainable remediation material derived from agricultural waste.
Scavenging microplastics and heavy metals from water using jujube waste-derived biochar in fixed-bed column trials
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that biochar derived from jujube waste effectively removed over 99% of nylon and polyethylene microplastics from water in fixed-bed column trials, while also demonstrating capacity for heavy metal removal at optimal neutral pH.
Adsorption characteristics of cadmium onto microplastics from aqueous solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
Laboratory adsorption experiments characterized how cadmium is taken up by microplastics of different polymer types from aqueous solutions, finding adsorption capacity varied significantly with polymer chemistry, particle size, and solution conditions. The results help predict how microplastics in contaminated waterways accumulate and transport cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal.
Microplastic pollutants in water: A comprehensive review on their remediation by adsorption using various adsorbents
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers the different materials scientists are developing to filter microplastics out of water, including biochar, activated carbon, sponges, carbon nanotubes, and newer hybrid materials. Each material has trade-offs in terms of cost, effectiveness, and environmental impact, but combining different approaches shows the most promise. The research is important because better water filtration methods could directly reduce the amount of microplastics people consume through drinking water.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.