Endosulfan Elimination Using Amine-Modified Magnetic Diatomite as an Adsorbent

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Adsorption Science

Background:

• Pesticides pose significant environmental and human health risks.
• Effective removal of pesticides from aqueous solutions is crucial for environmental protection.
• Diatomite is a naturally occurring material with potential adsorbent properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize surface-modified magnetic diatomite (m-DE-APTES).
• To evaluate the efficiency of m-DE-APTES for endosulfan adsorption from aqueous solutions.
• To compare the adsorption capacity of m-DE-APTES with raw diatomite.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of surface-modified magnetic diatomite (m-DE-APTES).
• Characterization using FTIR, SEM, EDX, ESR, and surface area analysis.
• Endosulfan adsorption experiments and isotherm studies (Langmuir).

Main Results:

• m-DE-APTES possesses a porous structure and large surface area.
• Adsorption capacity of m-DE-APTES for endosulfan was 97.2 mg g⁻¹, significantly higher than raw diatomite (16.6 mg g⁻¹).
• Adsorption followed Langmuir isotherm and was spontaneous (ΔG⁰ = -2.576 kJ mol⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified magnetic diatomite (m-DE-APTES) is a highly effective adsorbent for endosulfan.
• m-DE-APTES presents a viable and efficient alternative for pesticide removal from water.
• The study highlights the potential of engineered nanomaterials for environmental remediation.