Synthesis and characterization of a magnetic nanosorbent modified with Moringa oleifera leaf extracts for removal of nitroaromatic explosive compounds in water samples. Issue 3 (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kgatitsoe, Maureen M.; Ncube, Somandla; Tutu, Hlanganani; Nyambe, Imasiku A.; Chimuka, Luke
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 7:Issue 3(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: M. oleifera Moringa oleifera -- NAECs nitroaromatic explosive compounds -- NB nitrobenzene -- 2, 6-DNT 2, 6-dinitrotoluene -- 1, 3-DNB 1, 3-dinitrobenzene -- 3-NT 3-nitrotoluene -- 2-NT 2-nitrotoluene -- 4-NT 4-nitrotoluene -- PHWE pressurised hot water extraction; Moringa oleifera -- Nitroaromatic explosive compounds -- Nanosorbent -- Nitrotoluene -- Nitrobenzene; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2019.103128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Highlights: Moringa oleifera functionalized magnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized. The functionalized nanoparticle was applied in adsorption of nitroaromatic compounds. Adsorption was through chemisorption with preference towards less polar explosives. Binding preference was 80.4% nitrotoluenes and 19.6% dinitrotoluenes. The functionalized nanosorbent has shown potential as coagulant for these pollutants. Abstract: In this work, magnetite nanoparticles functionalized with Moringa oleifera plant leaf extracts were synthesized and investigated as potential nanosorbents in the extraction of nitroaromatic explosive compounds from aqueous solution. The predicted maximum adsorption capacity towards the nitroaromatic explosive compounds was 282 μg g −1 . Batch studies confirmed that the pseudo second order model explained the extent of the adsorption while the absorption mechanism followed the Langmuir model. The order of selectivity for the nitroaromatic explosive compounds studied was observed as follows: 2-nitrotoluene >3-nitrotoluene >4-nitrotoluene > nitrobenzene >2, 6-dinitrotoluene >1, 3-dinitrobenzene. The limits of detection ranged from 0.4 to 4.5 mg L −1 . Even though the recovery values for the target analytes are relatively low (14–46%), the method has shown great potential and repeatability with an average RSD value of 2.33%. The Moringa oleifera functionalized magnetite nanoparticles are therefore a viable nanosorbent that can be used as a sorbent to effectively extract nitroaromatic explosive compounds from polluted water.