Validation of an adsorption kinetic model for lindane removal by a porous polymer

Abstract

Lindane was one of the most commonly used organochlorine pesticides for controlling a wide range of horticultural, agricultural, and public health pests during the second half of the 20th century. [1] Owing to its toxic nature, bioaccumulation capability, and long transportable nature, it belongs to a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). [2] Although lindane use has been restricted or even banned, its residues persist and represent a serious environmental problem since lindane residues are still found in water, sediments, soil, plants, and animals. [3] Therefore, there is a growing interest in lindane removal or degradation by various methods. In this context, sorption has received considerable attention as one of the most effective and simplest technological approaches for the removal of lindane. In the present study, we investigated the kinetics of the lindane sorption process onto a porous functionalized copolymer based on glycidyl methacrylate. Five widely used isotherm kinetic models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, Avrami, and fractional power models) were employed via non-linear and linear fitting. The extent of kinetic model compatibility was evaluated through seven error functions. According to the obtained results, the pseudo-second-order model was the best-fitting kinetic model for describing the kinetics of lindane sorption by the investigated sorbent.