Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic studies for the removal of organophosphorus pesticide using Amberlyst-15 resin: Quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

• Removal of malathion pesticide using strongly acidic cation exchange resin Amberlyst-15.
• The equilibrium was established within 30 min.
• The equilibrium data was best fitted to Freundlich isotherm model.
• Adsorption of malathion was feasible, endothermic and spontaneous.
• The concentration of malathion was determined using UPLC–MS/MS.

In the present paper, Amberlyst-15 resin was used for the removal of malathion. Various experimental parameters such as effect of pH, contact time, resin dose, initial malathion concentration and temperature were studied to find the optimum conditions for malathion removal. The removal rate of malathion by Amberlyst-15 was rapid and equilibrium was established within 30 min. Kinetic studies showed better applicability for pseudo-second-order model and equilibrium data was best fitted to Freundlich isotherm model. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of malathion was feasible, endothermic and spontaneous. The concentration of malathion was determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.

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