Improved Nitrate Adsorption by Thai Perlite: A Comprehensive Study of Equilibrium, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Mechanisms for Sustainable Water Treatment Aligned with SDGs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.13225Keywords:
Adsorption, Mechanism, Perlite, Nitrate, GroundwaterAbstract
Nitrate contamination in agricultural groundwater poses significant environmental and health risks. Developing low-cost, locally available adsorbents is crucial for sustainable water treatment. Raw perlite (RP) and acid-modified perlite (MP) were investigated as adsorbents for nitrate removal in batch systems. Both perlites were characterized via nitrogen adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Adsorption performance was evaluated under varying pH, contact time, and initial nitrate concentration conditions. Equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models, while kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were assessed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. HCl modification enhanced the structural and surface properties of perlite. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 6 with an equilibrium time of 60 min. The Langmuir model best described the equilibrium data, with maximum adsorption capacities of 39.22 mg/g for RP and 54.94 mg/g for MP at 30 °C. Kinetic analysis indicated a pseudo-second-order model fit, and thermodynamic evaluation confirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. Mechanistic insights revealed that physical adsorption predominated, driven mainly by electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic displacement, cation bridging, pore filling, and ion exchange. Regeneration tests demonstrated good reusability of both adsorbents for up to 5 cycles. HCl-modified perlite exhibits superior adsorption capacity and reusability compared to raw perlite. These findings highlight its potential as an efficient and sustainable adsorbent for nitrate removal from groundwater. Furthermore, this research significantly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6 (Target 6.3) by enhancing water quality and SDG 12 (Targets 12.4 & 12.5) through the valorization of local mineral resources and the promotion of circular economy principles.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Chemically modified perlite volcanic rock with HCl enhanced nitrate removal efficiency.
- FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, and XRF analyses were conducted to characterize the adsorbents.
- Adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.
- The predominant adsorption mechanisms were electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic displacement, cation bridging, pore filling, and ion exchange.
- Effective nitrate removal was demonstrated in real water samples.
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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