Investigating the potential of N-methylglucamine modified cellulose microspheres for Sb(iii) and Sb(v) removal from actual mine inflow†

Abstract

The global concern regarding environmental contamination caused by antimony (Sb) in water has become increasingly prominent, presenting a complex environmental challenge. To improve Sb adsorption efficiency, novel N-methylglucamine modified cellulose microspheres (Celp-g-GMA-NMG) offer a sustainable and effective solution for the simultaneous removal of Sb(III) and Sb(V) with promising application in actual mine inflow. Celp-g-GMA-NMG retain high adsorption efficiency for Sb(III) over a wide pH range. The prepared adsorbent exhibits a fast adsorption rate and high adsorption capacity of 217.61 mg g⁻¹ for Sb(III) and 49.11 mg g⁻¹ for Sb(V). The adsorption process confirms the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In batch and dynamic experiments, Celp-g-GMA-NMG not only effectively removes Sb from actual mine inflow, but also simultaneously captures highly toxic arsenic. In addition, the Celp-g-GMA-NMG captured Sb(III) and Sb(V) by coordination and electrostatic interactions, respectively.