Recovery of Waste Polyurethane from E-Waste. Part II. Investigation of the Adsorption Potential for Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

This study explored the performances of waste polyurethane foam (PUF) derived from the shredding of end-of-life refrigerators as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The waste PUF underwent a basic pre-treatment (e.g., sieving and washing) prior the adsorption tests. Three target pollutants were considered: methylene blue, phenol, and mercury. Adsorption batch tests were performed putting in contact waste PUF with aqueous solutions of the three pollutants at a solid/liquid ratio equal to 25 g/L. A commercial activated carbon (AC) was considered for comparison. The contact time necessary to reach the adsorption equilibrium was in the range of 60–140 min for waste PUF, while AC needed about 30 min. The results of the adsorption tests showed a better fit of the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.93 for all pollutants) compared to the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacity of waste PUF was limited for methylene blue and mercury (Kf = 0.02), and much lower for phenol (Kf = 0.001). The removal efficiency achieved by waste PUF was lower (phenol 12% and methylene blue and mercury 37–38%) compared to AC (64–99%). The preliminary results obtained in this study can support the application of additional pre-treatments aimed to overcome the adsorption limits of the waste PUF, and it could be applied for “rough-cut” wastewater treatment.

The Efficiency of a Biological Reactor in a Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating Based on ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Material and Recycled PUR (Polyurethane) Foam

“…The effective removal and treatment of wastewater are essential for environmental protection and human health [10]. Numerous theoretical and practical approaches have been developed to address this challenge, with an emphasis on different shredded materials and their role in these methods [11][12][13][14][15].…”

Recycling waste polyurethane from the refrigeration industry as filler in SBR/NR composites for industrial applications

“…Currently, polyurethane waste has been used as additives for prefabricated mortar panels, 24 to sorption of oils, 25,26 as filler in gypsum matrix 27 or geopolymers 28 decreasing in thermal conductivity and into natural rubber (NR) matrix 29 . Natural rubber has outstanding qualities (e.g., tensile strength, tear resistance, and good abrasion resistance) to produce tires, conveyor belts, fluid transfer systems, body sealing, car suspension, seals, adhesives, coatings, and body parts 30 .…”

Physical, Static, and Kinetic Analysis of the Electrochemical Deposition Process for the Recovery of Heavy Metal from Industrial Wastewater

“…Treatment and recycling of wastewater and electronic waste (e-waste) have become increasingly necessary due to the presence of precious, critical, and strategic metals as well as the environmental impact of metal recovery [1][2][3]. e-waste is highly heterogeneous and includes a wide range of materials, such as metals, plastics, and ceramics, which are nonbiodegradable pollutants.…”