Nitrate Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Micro and Nano Particles of Beech Leaves

Nitrate is a major contaminant that is extensively found in water resources in many countries, leading to environmental problems. In this study, a batch system was used to study the removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions by micro and nanoparticles of beech leaves. After the preparation and modification of adsorbents, the effect of soluble pH, contact time, and dosage of adsorbent on nitrate adsorption were investigated. Kinetic and isotherm adsorption models were used to study the adsorption process. The results showed that the optimum pH and adsorbent dosage for nitrate removal by micro and nanoadsorbent of beech leaves were 3 and 10 g/L, respectively. Equilibrium time for micro and nanoadsorbent beech leaves was obtained 120 and 90 minutes, respectively. Among the kinetic models, Ho ̓s pseudo-second-order for the micro adsorbent and the Lagergren ̓s pseudo-first-order kinetic model for the nanoadsorbent had the best fit to the experimental data. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity for nanoadsorbent beech leaves (16.69 mg/l) was higher than the micro adsorbent beech leaves (10.68 mg/l). The results showed that the nanoadsorbent of beech leaves are more capable for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions than the microadsorbrnt.