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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2024

Chuloh Jung, Muhammad Azzam Ismail, Mohammad Arar and Nahla AlQassimi

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of various techniques for enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in construction. It analyzed the alterations in the concentration of indoor…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of various techniques for enhancing indoor air quality (IAQ) in construction. It analyzed the alterations in the concentration of indoor air pollutants over time for each product employed in controlling pollution sources and removing it, which included eco-friendly substances and adsorbents. The study will provide more precise and dependable data on the effectiveness of these control methods, ultimately supporting the creation of more efficient and sustainable approaches for managing indoor air pollution in buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The research investigates the impact of eco-friendly materials and adsorbents on improving indoor air quality (IAQ) in Dubai's tall apartment buildings. Field experiments were conducted in six units of The Gate Tower, comparing the IAQ of three units built with “excellent” grade eco-friendly materials with three built with “good” grade materials. Another experiment evaluated two adsorbent products (H and Z) in the Majestic Tower over six months. Results indicate that “excellent” grade materials significantly reduced toluene emissions. Adsorbent product Z showed promising results in pollutant reduction, but there is concern about the long-term behavior of adsorbed chemicals. The study emphasizes further research on household pollutant management.

Findings

The research studied the effects of eco-friendly materials and adsorbents on indoor air quality in Dubai's new apartments. It found that apartments using “excellent” eco-friendly materials had significantly better air quality, particularly reduced toluene concentrations, compared to those using “good” materials. However, high formaldehyde (HCHO) emissions were observed from wood products. While certain construction materials led to increased ethylbenzene and xylene levels, adsorbent product Z showed promise in reducing pollutants. Yet, there is a potential concern about the long-term rerelease of these trapped chemicals. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research in indoor pollutant management.

Research limitations/implications

The research, while extensive, faced limitations in assessing the long-term behavior of adsorbed chemicals, particularly the potential for rereleasing trapped pollutants over time. Despite the study spanning a considerable period, indoor air pollutant concentrations in target households did not stabilize, making it challenging to determine definitive improvement effects and reduction rates among products. Comparisons were primarily relative between target units, and the rapid rise in pollutants during furniture introduction warrants further examination. Consequently, while the research provides essential insights, it underscores the need for more prolonged and comprehensive evaluations to fully understand the materials' and adsorbents' impacts on indoor air quality.

Practical implications

The research underscores the importance of choosing eco-friendly materials in new apartment constructions for better IAQ. Specifically, using “excellent” graded materials can significantly reduce harmful pollutants like toluene. However, the study also highlights that certain construction activities, such as introducing furniture, can rapidly elevate pollutant levels. Moreover, while adsorbents like product Z showed promise in reducing pollutants, there is potential for adsorbed chemicals to be rereleased over time. For practical implementation, prioritizing higher-grade eco-friendly materials and further investigation into furniture emissions and long-term behavior of adsorbents can lead to healthier indoor environments in newly built apartments.

Originality/value

The research offers a unique empirical assessment of eco-friendly materials' impact on indoor air quality within Dubai's rapidly constructed apartment buildings. Through field experiments, it directly compares different material grades, providing concrete data on pollutant levels in newly built environments. Additionally, it explores the efficacy of specific adsorbents, which is of high value to the construction and public health sectors. The findings shed light on how construction choices can influence indoor air pollution, offering valuable insights to builders, policymakers and residents aiming to promote public health and safety in urban living spaces.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 September 2021

Gemma Pascual, Josep García-Raurich, José M. Canal and Marta Riba-Moliner

This study aims to demonstrate that orange-derived and lemon-derived systems can be used in continuous processes as efficient adsorbents to the entrapment of some anionic and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate that orange-derived and lemon-derived systems can be used in continuous processes as efficient adsorbents to the entrapment of some anionic and cationic dyes in the textile dyeing wastewater effluents.

Design/methodology/approach

Physically and chemically modified orange and lemon mesocarps are used as natural adsorbents for the cationic dyes Basic Blue 3, Basic Yellow 21, Basic Red 18 and Basic Green 4 and the anionic dyes Acid Blue 264, Acid Yellow 49 and Acid Red 337, all commonly used in the textile dyeing industry. Adsorption capacities of the orange-derived and lemon-derived adsorbents on the dyes are studied simulating a batch and continuous industrial processes.

Findings

Results demonstrate that treated orange mesocarp (orange-derived adsorbent) can adsorb up to 97% of cationic Basic Green 4 in 30 min, whereas the lemon mesocarp (lemon-derived adsorbent) can retain up to 88% within the same time. In the case of anionic, 91% Acid Blue 264 is adsorbed by the orange mesocarp in 15 min, whereas 92% is adsorbed by the lemon homologue within the same time.

Originality/value

As far as the authors know, physically and chemically modified orange and lemon mesocarps have not been used on the removal of cationic (Basic Blue 3, Basic Yellow 21, Basic Red 18 and Basic Green 4) and anioinic (Acid Blue 264, Acid Yellow 49 and Acid Red 337) dyes of textile dyeing wastewater industry. It is a costless and efficient treatment that supposes, on the one hand, an eco-friendly and feasible process for discolouration of wastewater and, on the other, a valorisation (upcycling) of orange and lemon peels, which are not currently used.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 50 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2024

Khaled Mostafa and Azza El-Sanabary

The novelty addressed here is undertaken by using tailor-made and fully characterized starch nanoparticles (SNPs) having a particle size ranging from 80 to 100 nm with a larger…

Abstract

Purpose

The novelty addressed here is undertaken by using tailor-made and fully characterized starch nanoparticles (SNPs) having a particle size ranging from 80 to 100 nm with a larger surface area, biodegradability and high reactivity as a starting substrate for cadmium ions and basic dye removal from wastewater effluent. This was done via carboxylation of SNPs with citric acid via esterification reaction using the dry preparation technique, in which a simple, energy-safe and sustainable process concerning a small amount of water, energy and toxic chemicals was used. The obtained adsorbent is designated as cross-linked esterified starch nanoparticles (CESNPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The batch technique was used to determine the CESNPs adsorption capacity, whereas atomic adsorption spectrometry was used to determine the residual cadmium ions concentration in the filtrate before and after adsorption. Different factors affecting adsorption were examined concerning pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and degree of carboxylation. Besides, to validate the esterification reaction and existence of carboxylic groups in the adsorbent, CESNPs were characterized metrologically via analytical tools for carboxyl content estimation and instrumental tools using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphological analysis.

Findings

The overall adsorption potential of CESNPs was found to be 136 mg/g when a 0.1 g adsorbent dose having 190.8 meq/100 g sample carboxyl content at pH 5 for 60 min contact time was used. Besides, increasing the degree of carboxylation of the CESNPs expressed as carboxyl content would lead to the higher adsorption capacity of cadmium ions. FTIR spectroscopy analysis elucidates the esterification reaction with the appearance of a new intense peak C=O ester at 1,700 cm−1, whereas SEM observations reveal some atomic/molecules disorder after esterification.

Originality/value

The innovation addressed here is undertaken by studying the consequence of altering the extent of carboxylation reaction expressed as carboxyl contents on the prepared CESNPs via a simple dry technique with a small amount of water, energy and toxic chemicals that were used as a sustainable bio nano polymer for cadmium ions and basic dye removal from wastewater effluent in comparison with other counterparts published in the literature.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2022

Hanieh Shaki

In this study, the removal of a series of acid dyes by hybrid polymer adsorbent was investigated. Textile industry wastewater is mainly consisted of suspended solid particles and…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the removal of a series of acid dyes by hybrid polymer adsorbent was investigated. Textile industry wastewater is mainly consisted of suspended solid particles and organic compounds with complex and nondecomposable structures. Treatment of such wastewaters has received much attention by researchers because of high water consumption and the presence of various chemical compounds, especially dyes. The use of polymers has recently attracted much attention for the treatment of textile wastewaters. According to the literature, hybrid polymers are highly capable of adsorbing dyes. In this research work, polyacrylamide/iron sulfate (PAM-FeSO4) hybrid polymer was successfully synthesized through solution polymerization of acrylamide with ammonium persulfate and sodium thiosulfate and gradual addition of iron sulfate. The hybrid polymeric adsorbent was then used for removing acidic dyes with different chemical structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of various experimental conditions and parameters, such as initial concentrations of dye and adsorbent, on the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent were investigated. The dye concentration was measured by an UV–vis spectrophotometer. The adsorption equilibrium was studied by plotting adsorption isotherms. The experimental data was fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms.

Findings

The adsorption experiments indicated that the PAM-FeSO4 hybrid polymer has a high adsorption capacity (117.64 mg g−1 for the Orange ІІ and 80.64 mg g−1 for the Sunset Yellow [SY]) when 80 mg of adsorbent was immersed in the dye solution (1 g L−1) with a pH of 11 at 25°C. The analysis of the equilibrium isotherms using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms indicated that the Langmuir model fit well to the experimental data.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original. The removal of acid dyes such as Sunset Yellow and Methyl Orange using PAM-FeSO4 hybrid polymer as flocculant was done for the first time.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 52 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2021

Ibrahim A. Amar, Jawaher O. Asser, Amina S. Mady, Mabroukah S. Abdulqadir, Fatima A. Altohami, Abubaker A. Sharif and Ihssin A. Abdalsamed

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption properties of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4 magnetic nanoparticles (CFMo MNPs) using, anionic dye “congo red (CR)” as a model of…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the adsorption properties of CoFe1.9Mo0.1O4 magnetic nanoparticles (CFMo MNPs) using, anionic dye “congo red (CR)” as a model of water pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

The magnetic nano-adsorbent was synthesized via sol-gel process. Different techniques including; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge, scanning electron microscope and X-ray powder diffraction were used to characterize the prepared adsorbent. Adsorption experiments were conducted in batch mode under various conditions (contact time, shaking speed, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, solution temperature and adsorbent amount) to investigate the adsorption capability of CFMo MNPs for CR.

Findings

The results showed that, CFMo MNPs could successfully remove more than 90% of CR dye within 20 min. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were better described using pseudo-second-order (PSO) and Langmuir models, respectively. The maximum adsorbed amount (qmax) of CR dye was 135.14 mg/g. The adsorption process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature as demonstrated by the thermodynamics ( ΔGo, ΔHoand ΔSo).

Practical implications

This study provided a good example of using an easily separated magnetic nano-adsorbent for fast removal of a very toxic organic pollutant, congo red, from the aquatic environment

Originality/value

The employment of Mo-doped cobalt ferrite for the first time for removing hazardous anionic dyes such as congo red from their aqueous solutions.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 December 2019

Akbar Eslami, Zahra Goodarzvand Chegini, Maryam Khashij, Mohammad Mehralian and Marjan Hashemi

A nanosilica adsorbent was prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and BET.

Abstract

Purpose

A nanosilica adsorbent was prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and BET.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimum conditions for the highest adsorption performance were determined by kinetic modeling. The adsorbent was used for the adsorption of acetaminophen (ACT), and the parameters affecting the adsorption were discussed like pH, initial concentration, contact time and adsorbent dosage. The adsorbent have been characterized by SEM, XRD and BET analysis. The kinetic models including pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to investigate the kinetic and isotherms parameters.

Findings

The adsorption of ACT increased to around 95% with the increase of nanosilica concentration to 30 g/L. Moreover, the adsorption process of ACT follows the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm with the maximum adsorption capacity of 609 mg/g.

Practical implications

This study provided a simple and effective way to prepare of nanoadsorbents. This way was conductive to protect environmental and subsequent application for removal of emerging pollutants from aqueous solutions.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study is synthesizing the morphological and structural properties of nanosilica-based adsorbent (specific surface area, pore volume and size, shape and capability) and improving its removal rate through optimizing the synthesis method; and studying the capability of synthesis of nanosilica-based adsorbent for removal of ACT as a main emerging pharmaceutical water contaminant.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2019

Mohammad Mehralian, Zahra Goodarzvand Chegini and Maryam Khashij

This study aims to activated carbon prepared from pistachio waste by using phosphoric acid as chemical activator agent. Activated carbon adsorbents were prepared from pistachio…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to activated carbon prepared from pistachio waste by using phosphoric acid as chemical activator agent. Activated carbon adsorbents were prepared from pistachio waste by using phosphoric acid as chemical activator agent.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimum conditions for the highest adsorption performance were determined by central composite design (CCD). The adsorbent was used for the adsorption of dye reactive black 5 (RB5), and the parameters affecting the adsorption were discussed like pH, initial concentration, contact time and adsorbent dosage. The adsorbent synthesized has been characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The kinetic models including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to investigate the kinetic and isotherms parameters.

Findings

When the dye concentration is 10 mg/L, RB5 dye removal rates reach 87.5 per cent. Moreover, the adsorption process of RB5 follows the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm.

Practical implications

This study provided a simple and effective way to prepare activated carbon adsorbents from pistachio wastes. This way was conductive to protect environmental from a huge amount of agricultural waste produced and subsequent application for removal of pollutants from aqueous solutions.

Originality/value

The activated carbon adsorbents are prepared via chemical activation, which is prepared with pistachio wastes. There are two main innovations: one is that the novel adsorbents are prepared successfully by waste and the other is that the optimized conditions are designed by CCD.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 49 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2023

Nagla Elshemy, Hamada Mashaly and Shimaa Elhadad

This study aims to observe the coloring efficacy of graphite (G) and nano bentonite clay (BCNPs) on the adsorption of Basic Blue 5 dye from residual dye bath solution.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to observe the coloring efficacy of graphite (G) and nano bentonite clay (BCNPs) on the adsorption of Basic Blue 5 dye from residual dye bath solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Some factors that affected the adsorption processes were examined and found to have significant impacts on the adsorption capacity such as the initial concentration of G and/or BCNPs (Co: 40–2,320 mg/L), adsorbent bath pH (4–9), shaking time (30–150 min.) and initial dye concentration (40–200 mg/L). The adsorption mechanism of dye by using G and/or BCNPs was studied using two different models (first-pseudo order and second-pseudo order diffusion models). The equilibrium adsorption data for the dye understudy was analyzed by using four different models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin modle and Dubinin–Radushkevich) models.

Findings

It has been found that the adsorption kinetics follow rather a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.99117 for G and 0.98665 for BCNPs. The results indicate that the Freundlich model provides the best correlation for G with capacities q_max = 2.33116535 mg/g and R2 = 0.99588, while the Langmuir model provides the best correlation for BCNPs with R2 = 0.99074. The adsorbent elaborated from BCNPs was found to be efficient and suitable for removing basic dyes rather than G from aqueous solutions due to its availability, good adsorption capability, as well as low-cost preparation.

Research limitations/implications

There is no research limitation for this work. Basic Blue 5 dye graphite (G) and nano bentonite clay (BCNPs) were used.

Practical implications

This work has practical applications for the textile industry. It is concluded that using graphite and nano bentonite clay can be a possible alternative to adsorb residual dye from dye bath solution and can make the process greener.

Social implications

Socially, it has a good impact on the ecosystem and global community because the residual dye does not contain any carcinogenic materials.

Originality/value

The work is original and contains value-added products for the textile industry and other confederate fields.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

O.A. Elhefnawy and A.A. Elabd

The purpose of this study is to prepare a new adsorbent activated carbon immobilized on polystyrene (ACPS) for uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) removal from an aqueous solution…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to prepare a new adsorbent activated carbon immobilized on polystyrene (ACPS) for uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) removal from an aqueous solution. Activated carbon (AC) was derived from biochar material by chemical activation to increase the active sites on its surface and enhance the adsorption capacity. Activated carbon (AC) was immobilized on polystyrene (PS) to improve the physical properties and facilitate separation from the working solution. A feasibility study for the adsorption of uranium (VI) and thorium (IV) on the new adsorbent (ACPS) has been achieved. Adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics models of the adsorption process were used to describe the reaction mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Activated carbon was synthesized from biochar charcoal by 2 M H2SO4. Activated carbon was immobilized on the pretreatment polystyrene by hydrothermal process forming new adsorbent (ACPS). Characterization studies were carried out by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Different factors affect the adsorption process as pH, contact time, solid/liquid ratio, initial concentration and temperature. The adsorption mechanism was explained according to kinetic, isothermal and thermodynamic studies. Also, the regeneration of spent ACPS was studied.

Findings

The experimental results showed that pH and equilibrium time of the best adsorption were 6.0 and 60 min for U(VI), 4.0 and 90 min for Th(IV), (pHPZC = 3.4). The experimental results fit well with pseudo-second order, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich models proving the chemisorption and heterogenous adsorption reaction. Adsorption thermodynamics demonstrated that the adsorption process is exothermic and has random nature of the solid/liquid interface. In addition, the regeneration of spent ACPS research showed that the adsorbent has good chemical stability. According to the comparative study, ACPS shows higher adsorption capacities of U(VI) and Th(IV) than other previous bio-adsorbents.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to improve the chemical and physical properties of bio-charcoal purchased from the local market to activated carbon by hydrothermal method. Activated carbon was immobilized on polystyrene forming new adsorbent ACPS for eliminating U(VI) and Th(IV) from aqueous solutions.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2021

Joseph Nyamoko Tinega and Charles Mwaura Warui

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of carbonization on the surface and its influence on heavy metal removal by water hyacinth based carbon.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of carbonization on the surface and its influence on heavy metal removal by water hyacinth based carbon.

Design/methodology/approach

Dried water hyacinth stem was used as precursor to prepare carbon based adsorbent by pyrolysis method. The adsorbent proximate (ash, volatile matter and fixed carbon) and elemental (carbon hydrogen nitrogen sulfur) composition, surface area, pore size distribution, surface chemistry was examined and compared.

Findings

The results demonstrated that through carbonization in comparison to dried water hyacinth stem, it increased the surface area (from 58.46 to 328.9 m2/g), pore volume (from 0.01 to 0.07 cc/g), pore size (from 1.44 to 7.557 Å) thus enhancing heavy metal adsorption. The metal adsorption capacity of Cd, Pb and Zn was measured and analyzed through induced coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. At metal concentration of 0.1 mg/l adsorption rate for Cd, Pb and Zn was 99% due to increased large surface area, coupled with large pore size and volume. Furthermore, the adsorbent surface hydroxyl group (OH) enhanced adsorption of positively charged metal ions through electrostatic forces.

Practical implications

It is presumed that not only adsorption with synthetic wastewater but real wastewater samples should be examined to ascertain the viability of adsorbent for commercial application.

Originality/value

There are little or scanty data on the effects of carbonization on water hyacinth stem based carbon and subsequent effects on heavy metal removal in effluents.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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