title: Effective remediation of phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in farm effluent using Guar gum--A plant based biopolymer.
abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of Guar gum in removing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), viz. phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), from farm effluent. The removal efficiency was compared with alum. The results indicated that 4.0 mg L(-1) of Guar gum at pH 7 could remove 99.70% and 99.99% of phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) and DEHP, respectively. Box Behnken design was used for optimization of the operating parameters for optimal POPs removal. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies were conducted on the flocs. SEM micrographs showed numerous void spaces in the flocs produced by Guar gum as opposed to those produced by alum. This indicated why Guar gum was more effective in capturing and removal of suspended particles and POPs as compared to alum. FTIR spectra indicated a shift in the bonding of functional groups in the flocs produced by Guar gum as compared to raw Guar gum powder signifying chemical attachment of the organics present in the effluent to the coagulant resulting in their removal. Guar gum is highly recommended as a substitute to chemical coagulant in treating POPs due to its non-toxic and biodegradable characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: keeyangling89@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yang Ling
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Kee
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Sumona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Agamuthu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pariatamby
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture; D001704:Biopolymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D005685:Galactans / Q000737:chemistry*; D008351:Mannans / Q000737:chemistry*; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D053149:Plant Gums / Q000737:chemistry*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001704:Biopolymers; D005685:Galactans; D008351:Mannans; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D053149:Plant Gums; D012989:Soil Pollutants; C032279:phthalic acid; C007894:guar gum
keywords: Biopolymer; Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate; Floc; Guar gum; Persistent organic pollutants (POPs); Phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)