Development of synthetic polymer-based sorbents for removal of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR in aquatic ecosystems
Chaewon Hwang
Austin Preparatory School, Reading, Massachusetts, United States
Publication date: January 28, 2025
Austin Preparatory School, Reading, Massachusetts, United States
Publication date: January 28, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC202439
ABSTRACT
This study aims to establish an adsorption strategy for the removal of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) from aqueous solution using a synthetic polymer-based approach. Specifically, a PEI-PVC adsorbent was developed through the polymerization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), an industrially prevalent material, and the cationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI). The developed PEI-PVC adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR and XPS, confirming the presence of amine groups on the surface, unlike PVC. Various adsorption experiments, including pH effects, isotherms and kinetics, were conducted to evaluate the performance of PEI-PVC in MC-LR removal; The removal efficiency of MC-LR exceeded 10mg/g across all pH levels, with a maximum removal of 28mg/g observed in the kinetic test. The results indicate that PEI-PVC is a highly efficient adsorbent, suitable for direct application in aquatic ecosystems to remove MC-LR, offering a promising solution for environmental contamination by cyanobacterial toxins.
This study aims to establish an adsorption strategy for the removal of cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) from aqueous solution using a synthetic polymer-based approach. Specifically, a PEI-PVC adsorbent was developed through the polymerization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), an industrially prevalent material, and the cationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI). The developed PEI-PVC adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR and XPS, confirming the presence of amine groups on the surface, unlike PVC. Various adsorption experiments, including pH effects, isotherms and kinetics, were conducted to evaluate the performance of PEI-PVC in MC-LR removal; The removal efficiency of MC-LR exceeded 10mg/g across all pH levels, with a maximum removal of 28mg/g observed in the kinetic test. The results indicate that PEI-PVC is a highly efficient adsorbent, suitable for direct application in aquatic ecosystems to remove MC-LR, offering a promising solution for environmental contamination by cyanobacterial toxins.
