Separation of bisphenol A and phenol from water by polymer adsorbents: Equilibrium and kinetics studies

The adsorption behaviours of some polymer adsorbents (Dowex Optipore L493, Diaion SP825 and Diaion SP 207) were evaluated for the removal of bisphenol A (BPA) and phenol from aqueous solutions. Dowex L493 exhibited higher adsorption affinity to BPA showing an adsorption capacity of 1.35 mmol/g, while having less adsorption affinity to phenol with a capacity of 0.84 mmol/g. The adsorption equilibrium data for BPA and phenol removal tested by Dowex Optipore L493, Diaion SP825, and Diaion SP207 were mainly fitted well to Freundlich isotherm model. According to the kinetic test results, both removal rates of BPA and phenol were obtained faster for Dowex L493 than Diaion SP825 and Diaion SP207. Results of kinetic study indicated that the adsorption kinetics were explained better by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for BPA and phenol removal using all type adsorbents. Rate controlling step has been accepted as particle diffusion for almost all adsorbents. The capability of Dowex Optipore L493 to remove both BPA and phenol from aqueous solutions was found to be the highest among the adsorbents tested.