Organically Modified Bentonite as an Efficient and Reusable Adsorbent for Triclosan Removal from Water

Triclosan, an antibacterial agent, in the environment is of great concern; thus, an efficient method for its removal from an aqueous system is required. Removal of triclosan from water was achieved by an organically modified bentonite, dioctadecyldimethylammonium bentonite. The highest adsorbed amount achieved under the optimized conditions was 1750 mg·g^-1, which is higher than that reported using such adsorbents as activated carbons, carbon nanotubes, zeolites, and other nanoporous materials. Complete removal of triclosan was achieved from the aqueous triclosan solution at a concentration 10 mg·L^-1 using 3 mg/60 mL of 2C18-BT. The adsorbent was reusable, as examined by washing and reuse of the adsorbent for 5 cycles.