Detoxification of pesticide residues requires effective methods. In this regard, the adsorption efficiency of diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE-cellulose) as an adsorbent material for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from water at different concentrations, times, pH and temperature was evaluated comprehensively. The obtained results showed that DEAE-cellulose has greater efficacy to eliminate 2,4-D from water with a high Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity of 429.18 mg g-1 at pH 7.0. Kinetic models and thermodynamics were investigated at length. The adsorption mechanism was understood by way of electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and Lewis acid-base type interactions. Extensive analytical characterization of the DEAE-cellulose adsorbent before and after 2,4-D adsorption was performed and liquid chromatography with a tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) was used for the quantification of 2,4-D. The regeneration of DEAE-cellulose was achievable using dilute formic acid and the DEAE-cellulose adsorbent showed high ability in the removal of 2,4-D from the agriculture run-off water.
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