Investigating the Efficiency of Functionalized PAMAM-GO Nano-Composite for Nitrate Removal from Aqua Solutions

Abstract

Due to the high solubility of nitrate in water, conventional treatment methods fail to remove it. This research investigated for the first time in national and global level, the efficiency of functionalized PAMAM-Go nanocomposite for nitrate removal from aquatic solutions. GO was synthesized by modified Hummers method. AFM images were used to characterize the GO and the AGO. Experiments were performed in a batch reactor and the main factors of pH, reaction time, and concentration of PAMAM_GO were investigated. The highest removal efficiency was obtained as 84% at 5 mL/L functionalized PAMAM_GO, pH of 3 and 25 min reaction time. The results showed that nitrate removal by functionalized PAMAM-Go nanocomposite is directly correlated with nanocomposite concentration and contact time while it is inversely correlated with pH and initial concentration of nitrate. It seems that ion exchange between nitrate and chloride is the main mechanism of nitrate removal by functionalized PAMAM_GO nano composite according to functionalization of PAMAM-Go using hydrochloric acid. This method can be used as a suitable method for in situ treatment of nitrate and many pollutants in water and wastewater, due to its easy operation, no need for high levels of expertise and sophisticated equipment, no need for large space of construction, low initial investment, low price, availability of raw materials, simple synthesis of graphene oxide and easy to functionalize.

Keywords

• Nitrate
• graphene oxide
• PAMAM_Dendrimer
• Nano composite
• Functionalization