A Novel Nanocomposite Based on (Zea mays) Corn Cob Biochar and Maghemite for the Competitive Adsorption of Endocrine Disruptor Compounds

Abstract

Faced with the global challenge of water treatment, the investigation of the removal of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) in aquatic environments is essential to protect human and animals health. In this study, a novel nanocomposite was prepared from biochar from agricultural waste (corn cob) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles, named PCCN, to remove four EDCs (triclosan, 17α-ethinylestradiol, methylparaben, and bisphenol A) from aqueous solutions by adsorption. For the characterization of PCCN, the advanced techniques Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis (BET), pH of point of zero charge (pHpzc), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry (TGA) were employed. Competitive adsorption equilibrium studies of EDCs were performed with PCCN and compared to unmodified biochar (PCC). The pH effect showed that optimal adsorption of EDCs was at pH 8.0 for PCC and pH 6.0 for PCCN. The salt concentration did not influence EDCs in the adsorption. In the adsorption isotherm, the results fitted the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 > 0.903) and the adsorption kinetics were well described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.985). Furthermore, the desorption studies indicated that the PCCN can be reused. Thus, the investigation suggests PCCN has promising potential in the removal of EDCs from wastewater.