Comparative modelling of mono- and dinitrophenols sorption on yellow bentonite from aqueous solutions

Equilibrium removal of three substituted nitrophenols, namely 2-nitrophenol (2-NP), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), by adsorption on yellow bentonite was tested. The batch kinetic data are described by the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion models. Results show that chemisorption processes could be rate limiting in the sorption step. The adsorption equilibrium was modelled by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The Langmuir model better represents the equilibrium isotherm data for 2-NP, 4-NP, and 2,4-DNP uptake on yellow bentonite. 4-NP is adsorbed in larger amounts than the disubstituted nitrophenol. Uptake of nitrophenols increases in the order 2-NP < 2,4-DNP < 4-NP.