(319b) Functionalized Superparamagnetic Lignin Nanosphere for Phosphate Removal

Phosphorus is an essential element for plant growth and crop production. However, excessive human activities introduce extra phosphorus into water bodies which leads to environmental degradation, such as eutrophication. Thus, it is necessary to develop strategies to remove phosphate from wastewater before it discharges into natural water bodies through runoff. However, it is big challenge to develop environmentally benigh and cost-effective absorbent for effective phosphate removal. Herein, we developed a lignin-based and recyclable superparamagnetic nanosphere to effectively remove phosphate in water. Lignin, a highly branched aromatic biopolymer in nature, has attracted many attentions since it is naturally abundant, renewable and low in cost. In this study, the lignin was firstly modified with a polyethyleneimine (PEI) together and then a PEI functionalized superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ lignin nanosphere (LMS) was developed through in-situ coprecipitation method. The structural and morphology of the obtained LMS were characterized by TEM, SEM, VSM and FTIR. In addition, the adsorption capacities of LMS for phosphate from aqueous solutions and the effects of different conditions were also comparatively investigated. The adsorption capacity results showed that the LMS exhibited an excellent adsorption performance around 41.84 mg/g. Overall, this new developed magnetic lignin nanosphere has shown a great potential as a low cost, high adsorptive, and reusable adsorbent for the phosphorus removal.