Waste-Based Adsorbents for the Removal of Phenoxyacetic Herbicides from Water: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

An overview of different adsorbents, based on agricultural and household waste, for chlorophenoxy herbicides removal from water is presented. Several groups of adsorbents are discussed, taking into account the modification method used on the initial material and the type of final product obtained. The adsorbent characteristics and the conditions of the adsorption measurements are given, and a discussion on the obtained results is presented, along with a theoretical description, following the application of various equations and models. A group of the most effective adsorbents is indicated, based on the analysis of the adsorption capacity, towards 2,4-D and/or MCPA, and the adsorption rate. Some important problems connected with adsorbent utility are discussed, taking into account economic and ecological aspects. Moreover, the effectiveness of the analyzed materials is observed through the analysis of its interactions with other components present in real systems.