Removal of phenolic compounds from aqueous phase by adsorption onto polymer supported iron nanoparticles.

The removal of phenolic compounds, i.e., o-cresol, m-cresol, and p-cresol from aqueous solution have been evaluated employing activated carbon (AC) coated with polymer supported iron nanoparticles (FeNPs). The synthesized FeNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction analysis. High correlation coefficient values indicated that the adsorption of phenolic compounds onto AC coated with polyvinylpyrrolidon (PVP) supported FeNPs obey Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Higher Freundlich and Langmuir constant values for AC coated with PVP supported FeNPs indicated its greater efficiency than AC. The adsorption data are well represented by both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, indicating favourable adsorption of cresols by the adsorbents. Cresols were effectively removed (90 %) by adsorption process from aqueous solution using AC coated with FeNPs. The percentage removal of above phenolic compounds was studied under varying experimental conditions such as pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. The adsorption of phenolic compounds is quite sensitive to pH of the suspension and optimum uptake value was found at pH 7.0. Temperature also has a favorable effect on adsorption when varied from 20 to 50°C. On the contrary, beyond 30°C, a decrease in the adsorption was noticed.