Removal of Quinmerac by Diatomite and Modified Diatomite from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Algerian aluminosilicate mineral natural diatomite and its modified variant were applied to remove quinmerac (QM)—a week acid herbicide from aqueous solutions. Then samples were investigated by the transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray fluorescence and physical adsorption of gases. The adsorption experiments were carried out at ambient temperature in baths at different pH and the results showed that the amount of adsorbed QM increased at a higher pH, reaching a maximum at pH 2.5. The Langmuir model provided the best correlation of the experimental data for adsorption equilibrium. It was found that the modified diatomite exhibits a slightly better efficiency in the removal of QM than natural diatomite; this is why it could be considered to be an alternative material for removing a specific pollutant from environment.