Trapping of Aromatic Compounds by Adsorption on Hydrophobic Sorbents

Abstract

Abstract Trapping by adsorption on hydrophobic porous polymers was the selected method for removing aromatic compounds from aqueous diluted medium. The study was done with four aromatic compounds which are often found in foods and which play a role in organoleptic qualities at low concentrations: ethyl acetate, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 1-octen 3-ol, and-γ-decalactone. Several sorbents were tested: activated carbon and three porous polystyren-type polymers (Porapak Q, Chromosorb 105, and Amberlite XAD-4). Kinetic and equilibrium sorptions were investigated. The adsorption isotherms were determined for the four aromatic and all the adsorbents, and equilibrium data were correlated with a Freundlich or a Langmuir-type of isotherm equation. Kinetic experimental results were simulated for 1-octen 3-ol using an internal-external mass transfer resistance model. Good agreement was observed for the diffusion coefficient in the sorbent in the range of 10−8cm2.s−1.