Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Sponges for the Adsorption of Estrogenic Pollutant

Author(s)

Novaes, Stephanie D. ; Oliveira, Pedro V. ; Petri, Denise F. S.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHEMPLUSCHEM; v. 82, n. 6, p. 904-913, JUN 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) E4M chains are crosslinked with citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), resulting in adsorbent sponges (SpE4M), which are impregnated with magnetic nanoparticles (SpE4M-mag) for the adsorption of 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol (EE). The characterization of SpE4M and SpE4M-mag characterization includes X-ray microcomputer tomography (Micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) vibrational spectroscopy, elemental analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SpE4M and SpE4M-mag present porosities of 72 +/- 6% and 80 +/- 7%, respectively, and outstanding stability in water, in the pH range 4 to 8, and in alcohols, alkanes, and acetone. The compressive moduli of SpE4M and SpE4M-mag amount to 2.75 and 4.37 MPa, respectively. The adsorption of 17 alpha-ethinyl estradiol (EE), an estrogenic pollutant, on SpE4M and SpE4M-mag follows the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The EE removal capacity by SpE4M is 78 +/- 5%, which is twice that presented by SpE4M-mag. The new sponges are recovered successfully either by flotation or by an external magnet, and can be recycled five times keeping 80% of their initial removal capacity after the fifth cycle, disclosing their potential for environmental remediation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/25103-2 - Magnetic stimuli in biotechnological processes
• Grantee: Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants