Enhanced adsorption of nitrate from water by modified wheat straw: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies

Abstract

Abstract This study represents the first attempt to chemically modify wheat straw (WS) using 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (CPTMS) and (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) (DABCO). Field emission scanning electron micrographs (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the successful morphological and structural modification of WS and the thermal stability of the modified WS (MWS). The MWS was used to remove nitrate from water. The optimum conditions of nitrate adsorption onto MWS were examined by conducting batch experiments. The results indicated that 85% of nitrate was removed under the conditions of initial nitrate concentration = 20 mg L−1, initial solution pH = 7, contact time = 10 min, MWS dosage = 2 g L−1 and temperature ≈ 25 °C. The kinetic adsorption data were best fitted to the general order model and the adsorption process occurred in three distinct stages. The equilibrium adsorption data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm. Additionally, separation factor values were smaller than 1, implying that the adsorption process was favorable. The presence of competing anions impeded the nitrate adsorption in the order of sulfate > chloride > bicarbonate> phosphate. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption process was exothermic, feasible and spontaneous in nature. Overall, the MWS could achieve efficient removal of nitrate under the simplest operating conditions.