Sorption Capacity of Mesoporous Metal Oxides for the Removal of MCPA from Polluted Waters

摘要

A study was performed to assess the sorption capacity of the phenoxy acid herbicide, MCPA, on two mesoporous oxides, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, by using a batch equilibrium method/Effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration and sorbent dosage on the sorption of the herbicide were investigated. The collected data evidenced the greater sorption efficiency of Al2O3 with respect to Fe2O3. These results can be explained by considering the specific mesoporous structure of Al2O3 together with the greater value of surface area. MCPA is assumed to be bound to Al2O3 and Fe2O3 by a combination of ionic and ion-dipole bonding. Both oxides present as sorbents for a fast and highly efficient removal of MCPA from contaminated waters. For the first time the possible use of mesoporous metal oxides to remove MCPA from contaminated wastewaters identifies these sorbents as suitable filters for the decontamination of point sources.