A higher efficiency removal of neonicotinoid insecticides by modified cellulose-based complex particle

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Cellulose is an abundant, eco-friendly biopolymer with potential in environmental remediation.
• Neonicotinoid pesticides pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health.
• Developing efficient and sustainable methods for pesticide removal is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize modified cellulose-based complex particles (MCCP) and activated MCCP (AMCCP).
• To evaluate the efficiency of AMCCP in removing neonicotinoid pesticides.
• To investigate the adsorption mechanism and regeneration performance of AMCCP.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal carbonization of cellulose with methacrylic acid to produce MCCP.
• Activation of MCCP with potassium hydroxide at high temperatures to yield AMCCP.
• Characterization using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis.
• Adsorption studies including kinetics, isotherms, and regeneration tests.

Main Results:

• AMCCP exhibited smaller aggregated particles and a higher surface area compared to MCCP.
• The adsorption of acetamiprid onto AMCCP followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model.
• The maximum adsorption capacity of AMCCP for acetamiprid reached 142.36 mg/g.
• AMCCP demonstrated excellent reusability, retaining over 95% adsorption efficiency after five regeneration cycles.

Conclusions:

• Activated modified cellulose-based complex particles (AMCCP) are highly effective for neonicotinoid removal.
• The adsorption process is spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic, indicating favorable interactions.
• AMCCP presents a promising, reusable, and sustainable adsorbent for pesticide remediation in water treatment.