Fixed Bed Adsorption of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (BTX) Contaminants from Monocomponent and Multicomponent Solutions Using a Commercial Organoclay

Abstract

Benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) are potential contaminants of groundwater, and there is a need to improve current remediation techniques, such as adsorption. Different materials can be applied in this process, like organoclays that have affinity for organic compounds. The aim of this work was to study BTX removal from mono-, bi-, and tricomponent solutions in a dynamic fixed bed system filled with organoclay. For the monocomponent system, using a 1.6 mmol/L adsorbate concentration, the useful removal quantities were 0.012, 0.030, and 0.140 mmol/g for benzene, toluene, and p-xylene, respectively. Based on the results, the affinity order was p-xylene > toluene > benzene. The multicomponent tests presented similar affinity tendency toward the organoclay. The mathematical model of Yan described the majority of the experimental breakthrough curves better than the model of Thomas. Partition was identified as the prevailing mechanism in BTX uptake, and the main adsorption sites were associated with the nanosized organic phases.