Evaluation of Chitosan-Bentonite Composite Performance towards Remediation of Sulphate Containing Effluent

Authors

  • S. Mbakop
  • N.H Mthombeni
  • T.Y. Leswifi
  • M.S Onyango

Keywords:

Adsorption, nanomaterials, sulfate, waste water

Abstract

Urbanization and industrialization in developing countries play a great role in exacerbating water scarcity by driving up the water demand as well as polluting natural water resources. Nanomaterials have recently been on the spotlight of many research studies in environmental remediation due to their exceptional physicochemical properties. Consequently, this work is part of a wider project aimed at developing a large scale production process of chitosan-bentonite composite for real field application as most adsorption media development are limited to laboratory scale synthesis. This paper discusses the adverse effects of sulfate anions on living organisms and the existing and potential techniques for removal of this pollutant from industrial wastewaters. Moreover chitosan-bentonite composite was prepared as an adsorbent and characterized. Preliminary adsorption experiments were conducted and the effects of solution pH and adsorbent dosage on the removal
of sulfate from aqueous solutions were investigated. The adsorption capacity achieved so far provides a strong motivation to further develop the material for industrial application.

Author Biographies

S. Mbakop

Department of Chemical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology

N.H Mthombeni

Department of Chemical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology

T.Y. Leswifi

Department of Chemical Engineering, Vaal University of Technology.

M.S Onyango

Department of Chemical Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology

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Published

04-04-2022