Application of natural biosorbent and modified peat for bisphenol a removal from aqueous solutions

The sorption behaviour of bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solutions onto a biosorbent such as peat, rice husk, bagasse, and sawdust was evaluated. The effects of various parameters, including sorbent dose, solution pH, ionic strength, temperature, and competitive adsorption, were determined. The sorption capacity of peat notably increased to a level even higher than that of activated carbon after modification with a quaternary ammonium surfactant. The sorption process fitted the pseudo-second-order model well. The sorption of BPA onto modified peat is preferred in the presence of phenol as a competitor. Hydrophobic interactions play an important role during the sorption process. These observations indicate that the BPA sorption capacity of natural peat can be significantly promoted via surfactant modification and is of great potential for environmental application.