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Efficient removal of heavy metals from melting effluent using multifunctional hydrogel adsorbents
Jianhong Ma1, Yuanmeng Zhang2, Yanhong Tang3
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China E-mail: tangyh@hnu.edu.cn; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
Summary
This study developed a novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) hydrogel adsorbent. This enhanced double network material effectively removes heavy metals from wastewater with high capacity and reusability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogel adsorbents face challenges in balancing water permeability and mechanical strength for effective heavy metal removal.
- Developing robust and efficient materials is crucial for treating industrial wastewater contaminated with toxic heavy metals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize an enhanced double network hydrogel adsorbent based on poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (PVA/PAMPS).
- To evaluate the adsorbent's efficiency in removing various heavy metals from aqueous solutions and industrial effluent.
- To assess the adsorbent's mechanical properties, swelling behavior, and reusability for practical wastewater treatment applications.
Main Methods:
- Free-radical polymerization was employed to synthesize the PVA/PAMPS double network hydrogel.
- The adsorbent's structure and functional groups (-NHR, -SO3H, -OH) were analyzed to understand its adsorption mechanisms (chelation and ion exchange).
- Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to determine heavy metal adsorption capacities and removal efficiencies under specific conditions.
Main Results:
- The PVA/PAMPS hydrogel exhibited high water permeability and good mechanical strength.
- Maximum adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and Cd2+ reached 340 mg/g and 155.1 mg/g, respectively.
- High removal efficiencies were achieved for multiple heavy metals, including 95.4% for Fe3+, 91.4% for Cd2+, and 88.1% for Pb2+.
- The adsorbent maintained over 93% removal efficiency for Pb2+ and Cd2+ after five cycles, demonstrating excellent reusability.
Conclusions:
- The developed PVA/PAMPS hydrogel adsorbent effectively addresses the limitations of traditional hydrogels by combining high water permeability with mechanical robustness.
- The multifunctional groups present in the hydrogel facilitate efficient heavy metal adsorption through combined chelation and ion exchange mechanisms.
- This study presents a highly practical and reusable hydrogel adsorbent for the efficient removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater.
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