Development of Recycled Expanded Polystyrene Nanofibers Modified by Chitosan for the Removal of Lead(II) from Water

Water contamination by potentially toxic metals and the generation of polymeric wastes are major world concerns. Therefore, novel recycled expanded polystyrene nanofibers modified chitosan were successfully developed centrifugal spinning applied as adsorbents on removal lead(II) from water. Expanded was obtained waste food packaging. Characterization presented diameters 806 nm functional groups suitable for adsorption lead(II). Under experimental conditions used, favored at pH 6, a temperature 303 K, presenting an capacity 28.86 mg g−1 percentage 61.19%. The pseudo-second-order model most to describe kinetic data. equilibrium data could be fitted Aranovich–Donohue model. maximum under used 137.35 g−1. thermodynamics parameters spontaneous, favorable, endothermic. After four cycles desorption reuse, maintained 63.04% their original capacity. findings indicated that these present great potential lead(II)- (as well other similar metals) adsorbent, with significant environmental relevance due recycling polymer into notable metal adsorbent.