The 'chimie douce' process towards the modification of natural zeolites for removing drugs and pesticides from water

BACKGROUND: Drugs and pesticides are emerging contaminants, and their presence in surface and groundwater have been increasing. Therefore, this work aims to study the modification of natural zeolite to remove these contaminants from water. RESULTS: Among the modifications carried out, hydrothermal treatment in the presence of surfactant (CTAB) was highlighted. The hydrothermal treatment with surfactant provided a structural rearrangement. As a result, the zeolite became more hydrophobic, with a smaller specific area and a more significant amount of mesopores and macropores. Changes in textural and chemical characteristics resulted in a significant increase in the removal of the evaluated pesticides and drugs. In order to evaluate the potential of zeolites to remove emerging contaminants under conditions closer to reality, the modified samples were evaluated in the adsorption process of simulated contaminated water. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained were 28.24, 3.07, and 20.06 mg g(-1) for 2,4-D, diuron, and diclofenac, respectively, using HT-H2O_CTAB under conditions closer to real water treatment (30 degrees C and natural pH of the solution). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that hydrothermal modification with CTAB is a promising 'chimie douce' technique to use natural zeolites to remove emerging contaminants. (c) 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Automated summary

This study investigates the modification of natural zeolite to enhance its ability to remove drugs and pesticides from water. The hydrothermal treatment with surfactant (CTAB) results in a structural rearrangement of the zeolite, making it more hydrophobic with a smaller specific area and a higher porosity. The modified zeolite exhibits significantly increased removal of the evaluated contaminants. The study concludes that hydrothermal modification with CTAB is a promising technique for using natural zeolites in the removal of emerging contaminants.