Water is an essential resource to support life, and, as a result, the negative impact associated with water contamination is an important concept for societies all around the world. Organophosphorus materials such as pesticides, pharmaceutical byproducts, and flame retardants are of a concern when it comes to water contamination as many of these products have properties that can adversely affect an ecosystem. In particular, the use of flame retardants in the textile and polymer industry is very water intensive which leads to the occasional release of these contaminants into the environment. Among these chemicals, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), an organophosphorus flame retardant, is persistently found in the environment. Studies suggest that TDCPP has adverse effects on aquatic and avian species and acts as a neurotoxin, possibly a carcinogen, a reproductive toxicant, and an endocrine disruptor. Additionally, it has recently been observed to have adverse effects on the human eye. As a result, the removal of TDCPP from the water is a vital step in reducing its presence in the environment. The proposed research is based on the use of adsorption techniques for chemical removal. For the adsorption medium, we will use porous, low-cost, and sustainable carbonaceous material. Our research group is currently focusing on using newly modified adsorption materials such as biochar derived from pine biomass impregnated with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is one of the most commonly used plastics and this alternative use of HDPE in modifying biochar provides a sustainable alternative for waste management. In order to assess adsorption capacity of the biochar, batch experiments will be performed, and the optimized adsorption capacity will be reported by exploring several parameters: pH, dosages, contact time, and temperature.

Removal of emerging environmental contaminants from water utilizing carbon-rich absorption mediums

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.