EVALUATION ON FARMLAND WATER PURIFICATION WITH MAIZE TASSEL IMMOBILIZATION

EVALUATION ON FARMLAND WATER PURIFICATION WITH MAIZE TASSEL IMMOBILIZATION

Abstract:

This study focused on the comprehensive analysis and characterization of maize tassel fibers to assess their suitability as a bio-sorbent in bio-sorption processes, particularly after immobilization with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). Various properties, including moisture content, ash content, apparent density, particle size, and crude protein content of maize tassel fibers, were determined to establish their exceptional potential for column adsorption. Surface chemistry analysis revealed the presence of carboxylic and lactonic groups, as confirmed by Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (Nicolet 560 spectrophotometer) and Boehm titration, which quantified the acidic sites within the material. Utilizing the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm (Novastation D version 11.03), critical parameters such as surface area, pore volume, and pore size diameter were determined. The tassel fibers were combined with polyvinyl alcohol at 80 ºC, using magnetic stirring at a 2:1 ratio, followed by cooling and extrusion via a syringe to create beads.

Column adsorption studies were conducted to assess column performance, with variations in flow rates, bed heights, and initial concentrations influencing the breakthrough curve, leading to the determination of breakthrough and exhaustion times of the adsorbent bed. The efficiency of the column was evaluated using both the Clark model and the Thomas model. Proximate analysis indicated that maize tassel fibers possessed moisture content, ash content, apparent density, particle size, and crude protein content of 4.51%, 2.134%, 0.41 g/ml, 300 μm, and 4.06%, respectively. FT-IR and Boehm titration revealed an acidic site density of 0.9 mmol/g, with only minimal presence of phenolic groups in maize tassel fibers. The BET isotherm yielded a surface area of 652.3 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.4056 cm3/g, and a pore size diameter of 2.144 nm. Notably, the Thomas Model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy for breakthrough in the adsorption of phosphoric compounds, with an impressive R2 value of 97.5% for bed heights and flow rates.

EVALUATION ON FARMLAND WATER PURIFICATION WITH MAIZE TASSEL IMMOBILIZATION, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS