Highly Efficient Removal of Paracetamol From Wastewater Using Novel Crosslinked Okra-Based Metal Composite Sorbents

Abstract

One of the most essential resources for sustainable development, water is useful for all living things as well as for a variety of human endeavors, including industry, agriculture, and household tasks. However, as a result of advances in science, technology, and national economies, the number of chemicals produced is increasing sharply each year, and in parallel with this, some pollutants, called micropollutants, are emerging. This article reports paracetamol removal from water using novel polymeric particles prepared from waste okra extract. Okra/metal based polymeric material was synthesized for the first time by redox polymerization technique in an emulsion medium using okra extract obtained from okra wastes and iron solution. These okra/metal-particles were characterized using various analytical techniques. Structural and morphological properties indicate that p(Okra)/Fe particles were successfully produced. The prepared sorbents were tested for the batch sorption of paracetamol under different operating conditions. The maximum adsorption capacities of p(Okra)/Fe3 and p (Okra)/Fe8 particles were determined to be 869.4 mg/g and 854.7 mg/g, respectively. The efficiency of various factors, including particle type, paracetamol concentration, particle amount, pH, and temperature, in the removal of paracetamol from environmental waters was examined separately. The optimal experimental parameters were determined to be p(Okra)/Fe3 and p(Okra)/Fe8, with a paracetamol concentration of 50 mg/L, 2.5 mg of particle amount, pH 5, and a temperature of 30 degrees C. Equilibrium sorption and thermodynamic parameters in the sorption of paracetamol onto p(Okra)/Fe particles were evaluated using different isotherm models and mathematical calculations. The findings showed that the Langmuir and Freundlich models fits the experimental data best. Okra/metal-particles showed the best sorption capacities for the removal of paracetamol in batch sorption. This study introduces an innovative, sustainable, and efficient approach to water purification, leveraging natural waste products to address the growing challenge of removing micropollutants from water systems.