Simultaneous removal of nitrobenzene, 1,3-dinitrobenzene and 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene from water samples using anthracite as a potential adsorbent

Micro-sized anthracite particles (ANTCs) were used as natural adsorbent for efficient removal of nitrobenzene (NB), 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB) and 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DCNB) from polluted water samples. Results indicated that the adsorption of NB, DNB and DCNB was rapid and reached a steady state after 3 min. Effects of solution pH, amount of adsorbent, contact time, ionic strength and reusability on the adsorption capability of the ANTC were investigated. Experimental results showed that the removal efficiency is independent of pH and ionic strength of the test solution. The adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir model and kinetics of removal processes were obeyed the pseudo-second-order mechanism. The adsorbed amounts of NB, DNB and DCNB were determined by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) measurements before and after the removal process. The loading capacity of ANTC for adsorption of NB, DNB and DCNB was determined to be 0.577, 0.672 and 0.853 mg/g, respectively. This study showed the potential ability of ANTC as an efficient natural adsorbent for removal of NB, DNB and DCNB from industrial wastewater samples.