Metaldehyde removal from aqueous solution by adsorption and ion exchange mechanisms onto activated carbon and polymeric sorbents

► First detailed analysis and study on metaldehyde removal by physical adsorbents. ► Adsorption performance of current method studied to probe reasons for failure of removal. ► Sorption performances of proposed alternative materials studied and mechanism proposed. ► Mechanism explains full sorption and degradation of metaldehyde. ► Results are of marked significance to the water treatment industries.