Ethylbenzene Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Nano Magnetic Particles

Background & Aims of the Study: Ethylbenzene (EB) is a dangerously organic compound,which the presence of this pollutant in water solutions can be considered as anenvironmental and public health hazard. In this study, nano magnetic particles (Fe3O4) wereused as an adsorbent to remove ethylbenzene from aqueous solutions.Materials & Methods: The specification of the adsorbent was investigated by transmissionelectronic microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. A 4×4 factorial designincluding initial concentration of ethylbenzene, nano magnetic particles dose, contact timeand pH were studied.Results: The results showed that the maximum ethylbenzene removal by nano magneticparticles was achieved in the following conditions; 100 mg.L-1, 2000 mg.L-1, 20 minutesand 8, in initial concentration, nano magnetic concentration, contact time and pHrespectively. The most amounts of ethylbenzene adsorption and distribution ratio inoptimum condition was 49.9 mg.g-1 and 261.9 l.g-1 respectively. The results demonstratedthat the removal rate of ethylbenzene was higher in batch (99.8 %) rather than continuous(97.4%) condition.Conclusions: The removal rate of ethylbenzene was higher in batch rather than continuouscondition. The study of isotherm showed that adsorption data follow up linear isotherm.Comparing adsorption rate of NM particles and other adsorbents proved that Fe3O4, as amaterial with high capacity of adsorption can apply for removing ethylbenzene as anefficient and also cheap adsorbent.