Removal of nonylphenol from aqueous solutions using carbonized date pits modified with ZnO nanoparticles

The adsorption process is a convenient and efficient method for the removal of phenolic compounds. This experimental research investigated the removal of nonylphenol using nanoparticles of zinc oxide-modified date pits. Variables were initial nonylphenol concentration, time, pH, and adsorbent dosage. To adsorb nonylphenol from aqueous solutions, date pits and date pits modified with nanoparticles of zinc oxide were used. Adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics were also examined. Both adsorbents were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Brunner-Emmett-Taller, and X-ray diffraction. Nonylphenol concentrations of samples were determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography after the adsorbents were added. Maximum removal efficiency of nonylphenol by modified date pits under optimal conditions including contact time of 60 min, pH = 6, concentration of 1.35 mg/L nonylphenol, and an adsorbent amount of 10.1 g/L were 95% for synthetic and 74% for real samples, respectively. The nonylphenol removal efficiency under optimal conditions of wastewater from the campus of Kerman University of Medical Sciences was reported as 74%. The adsorption reaction of nonylphenol by date pits followed the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order models. Modified date pits are a good adsorbent and can be recommended as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of nonylphenol.