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Project title

Removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater via novel adsorption methods

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Limerick (UL)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Adsorption is the process by which species (atoms, ions, or molecules) are adhered to a surface, producing a thin layer of the adsorbed species on the solid surface. Species that are in solution can be therefore removed and sequestered onto the solid. Species that are in solution will exist as ionised species, such that there is a net charge on the compounds (e.g. Cu2+). This enables the electrostatic attraction between charged species in solution and the charged surface sites on the adsorbents, since opposite charges attract. This is one mode of adsorption. Through simple filtration, the adsorbent (combined with the adsorbed species) can be separated from solution. Depending on adsorbents and chemical groups found on their surface, species can be selectively removed. There is a range of models that govern adsorption processes, and research will identify which isotherm models (which govern adsorption processes at constant temperatures,) thermodynamic models (which informs on whether a process will occur spontaneously,) and kinetic models (which investigate the rate of a process) govern the overall process. There are multiple possible models, so determining which theoretical model fits best is crucial to ensuring the process occurs optimally. This research investigates adsorbents and their modification with different surface functional groups for improvements to their adsorptive capabilities. This will help develop a flow-column filled with layers of certain adsorbents, modified with different functional groups. Solutions, contaminated with organic (e.g. surfactants) and inorganic species, can be filtered through such a column. The present species will then be adsorbed onto various layers of adsorbents sequentially, resulting in the treatment of polluted water and producing clean, potable water. Most systems are able to adsorb individual species, while some systems can adsorb a range of species. This project, then, seeks to develop a system which can holistically adsorb all pollutants within water.

Grant Approved

�110,000.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2026