Graphene oxide (GO) has large surface area and strong hydrophilicity and is possible to adsorb contaminants in water or wastewater treatment. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is an emerging transformation contaminant of concern in water and wastewater due to its carcinogenicity. Considered the nano-size dimension, GO-iron oxide (GO-Fe3O4) nanocomposite was synthesized in this study for effective expulsion from water after treatment through a magnetic field. The study aimed to investigate the removal of a pharmaceutical NDMA precursor (chlorpheniramine) and NDMA formation potential (FP) by adsorption on magnetic GO-Fe3O4, with respect to the difference between the nanocomposite suspension and particles, influences of Fe3O4 content, adsorption pH and contact time, and interferences owing to the background of real wastewater. In the results, nano-sized Fe3O4 anchored on GO uniformly, resulting in hybrid structures with well combination between GO and Fe3O4. The chlorpheniramine adsorption maximum at neutral pH decreased in the order: GO-Fe3O4 particles &gt; GO-Fe3O4 suspension &gt; activated carbon. The pH variation enhanced chlorpheniramine adsorption on both GO-Fe3O4 particles and suspension. The GO-Fe3O4 particles exhibited a relatively better but slow chlorpheniramine adsorption. Excess nano-pores (diameter &lt; 10 nm) were created in GO-Fe3O4 particles due to low Fe3O4 contents to effectively capture and remove chlorpheniramine, as excess Fe3O4 crystals on the GO surface prevented the compaction of GO sheets. The chlorpheniramine adsorption by the GO/Fe3O4 particle and activated carbon was less efficient in wastewater, due to competition between organic matter (OM) and chlorpheniramine for adsorption sites. The influence was limited for the GO/Fe3O4 suspension, with OM possibly accumulated in the larger space between the GO sheets enhancing the adsorption. In the presence or absence of chlorpheniramine, the NDMA-FP in wastewater was efficiently treated.

Adsorption of chlorpheniramine and N-nitrosodimethylamine formation potential toward nano-sized graphene oxide-iron oxide particle and suspension

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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