Extensive Employment of Chemically Treated Elephas maximus Dung in Sequestration of Oxyfluorfen: Batch, Isothermal and Kinetic Modeling

Abstract

Presently, one of the most employed herbicides is Oxyfluorfen, used to control the growth of annual broadleaf and grassy weeds. On the other hand, effective disposal of redundant Elephas maximus dung (EMD) is important for environmental protection and utilization of resource. Aim of the article is focused on sequestration of Oxyfluorfen from aqueous media employing Elephas maximus dung (EMD), a natant biowaste, seldom reported elsewhere. Experimental setup is planned via batch mode under varying operational factors viz., particle size, initial Oxyfluorfen concentration, MEMD dosage, contact time, pH and temperature. The obtained results validated through isothermal and kinetic models imply notable fit in of Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo II Order kinetic models with a maximum of 88.9 % oxyfluorfen removal. Based on the derived observations, supported by theoretical calculations, it is concluded that Elephas maximus dung (EMD) powder, possess maximum potential towards chelation of Oxyfluorfen, thereby succoring an alternate eco-friendly process.