Ultrasound Irradiation Facilitated Adsorption of MTBE from Aqueous Solution using Exfoliated Graphite

Abstract

Water pollution due to the fuel additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which is a suspected carcinogen, is often observed in surface and ground water. The removal of MTBE from aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.00143 g/mL by using exfoliated graphite (EG) as a novel adsorbent is reported. Experiments are carried out in batch mode and the effects of several factors on the removal of MTBE are evaluated. In addition, the influence of ultrasound irradiation on MTBE adsorption is investigated. The results show that an efficient removal of MTBE from aqueous solution could be achieved by implementing an ultrasound facilitated adsorption process using EG. A maximum removal efficiency of 97 % is achieved for MTBE in controlled conditions and it is found that applying ultrasound has a significant positive effect on the removal of MTBE from aqueous solutions.

Bioremediation of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) by three pure bacterial cultures

“…MTBE (C 5 H 12 O) is an oxygenate organic compound, that has been used as additive in gasoline since the late 1970s, to replace tetraethyl lead (TEL) and other toxic chemicals (3)(4)(5). MTBE is a persistent compound in the environment because it is highly soluble in water, poorly adsorbed by soil and is biologically and chemically stable against degradation (6). Accidental fuel leakage during storage or transportation is the main source of environmental contamination with MTBE (7).…”

Ultrasonic Degradation of Fuchsin Basic in Aqueous Solution: Effects of Operating Parameters and Additives

“…84.1% extent of degradation was achieved at initial dye concentration 10 𝜇mol L −1 , ultrasound power 400 W, ultrasound frequency 25 kHz, dosage of Fe(II) 4 mg L −1 , initial pH 6.5, and temperature 22 ∘ C. But addition of heterogeneous catalyst TiO 2 affected degradation slightly. Addition of radical scavenger suppressed fuchsin basic degradation significantly.the degradation efficiency in sonochemical processes by adding various kinds of catalysts [12][13][14][15].Fuchsin basic, a cationic triphenylmethane dye, was chosen as a typical representative pollutant. Fuchsin basic is traditionally used as colorant in dyeing textiles such as cotton, artificial fiber, leather, and paper [16].…”

“…the degradation efficiency in sonochemical processes by adding various kinds of catalysts [12][13][14][15].…”