Evaluation of the Removal of Copper in Synthetic Effluent Usi ...

Work thumb

Views: 481

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2018, Common Ground Research Networks, All Rights Reserved

Abstract

Polymeric materials are so widely used that they represent a current problem in the environmental field and on sustainable development. Thus, the development of alternative materials that fit in the ecological sphere and minimize environmental problems without compromising the function of the materials has been the subject of several studies. Therefore, the objective was to develop and apply composites made from high density polyethylene reinforced with biomass from macadamia nut shell, sugarcane bagasse, and royal palm in tests of copper adsorption in synthetic effluent. The composites were prepared at a ratio of 15 percent fiber (50 mesh) and 85 percent HDPE and processed in a thermokinetic mixer. For the adsorption tests, 20 grams of composites were placed in contact with 50 mL of synthetic effluent at residence times of 24, 48, and 36 hours. The results showed that all the composites developed were able to remove copper from the synthetic solutions and that the composite reinforced with sugarcane bagasse presented the best removal rate, evidencing the possibility of using these composites as a way of promoting the reduction in the use of petroleum derivatives and as a contribution to the treatment of copper contaminated water.