Application of Azolla for 2, 4, 6- Trichlorophenol (TCP) Removal from Aqueous Solutions

Background & Aims of the Study: The 2, 4, 6-Trichlorophenol (TCP) is a phenoliccompound which it can produce adverse effects on human and environment. Therefore, theremoval of these compounds is necessary. The aim of this study is the investigation of TCPremoval by using Azolla filiculoides biomass.Materials & Methods: The Azolla biomass was dried in the sunlight, and then it wascrushed and sieved to particle sizes in range of 1-2 mm. Next treated with 0.1M HCl for aperiod of 5h. The Azolla was washed with distilled water and it was used as adsorbent. Theeffect of operating parameters such as pH, contact time, TCP concentration and adsorbentdose on the TCP removal efficiency was investigated. The residues concentration of TCPwas measured by spectrophotometer in λ max of 296 nm.Results: In optimum condition (pH 3, contact time 120 min , adsorbent dose 10 gr/l andTCP concentration 10 ppm), Azolla was able to remove 95% of TCP from aqueoussolutions. The equilibrium data follows the Langmuir isotherm and the proper kineticmodel is pseudo-second model.Conclusions: Adsorption process by Azolla filiculoides is an efficient method for removalof 2, 4, 6-Trichlorophenol from aqueous solutions.

Keywords:

AzollaAdsorption2 , 4 , 6-Trichlorophenolwater treatment