Utilization of Modified Elephas maximus Dung as Oxyfluorfen Sequestrant: Adsorption and Kinetic Modeling Studies

Abstract

This chapter aims to focus on sequestration of Oxyfluorfen from aqueous media employing Elephas maximus dung (EMD), a natant biowaste, seldom reported elsewhere. Attention is sought on Oxyfluorfen, one of the most employed herbicides for controlling the growth of annual broadleaf and grassy weeds. Oxyfluorfen is classified as low acute toxicity compound by the World Health Organization (WHO) and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  However, appropriate disposal of redundant Elephas maximus dung (EMD) is critical for environmental protection through utilization of resources. The experiment is set up in batch mode with various operational elements such as particle size, initial Oxyfluorfen concentration, MEMD dosage, contact time, pH, and temperature.  The results, which were evaluated using isothermal and kinetic models, suggest that the Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo II Order kinetic model suit the data well, with the maximum amount of oxyfluorfen removal of 88.9%.  It has been determined that Elephas maximus dung (EMD) powder has the highest potential for the abstraction of Oxyfluorfen, hence supporting an alternative environmentally benign procedure, based on the derived observations, supported by theoretical calculations.