Antonio Aucejo

Effect of pH, cation concentration and sorbent concentration on cadmium and copper removal by a granular activated carbon

The single adsorption of cadmium and copper from aqueous solutions has been investigated on Darco 12-20 mesh granular activated carbon for a wide range of experimental conditions: pH, metal concentration and carbon concentration. The results showed the efficiency of the activated carbon as sorbent for both metals. Metal removal increases on raising pH and carbon concentration, and decreases on raising the initial metal concentration. The adsorption processes have been modelled using the surface complex formation (SCF) Triple Layer Model (TLM) with a single surface bidentate species or with an overall surface species with fractional stoichiometry. Bidentate stoichiometry considering pH, metal concentration and carbon concentration dependencies successfully predicted cadmium and copper removals for all experimental conditions. The Freundlich isotherm has been also checked.

Diagnosis of boron, fluorine, lead, nickel and zinc toxicity in citrus plantations in Villarreal, Spain

In the late 1980s, citrus plantations in the area of Villarreal (Spain) showed injuries similar to those previously reported for boron and fluorine toxicity. The area was affected by the disposal of industrial wastewater, mainly from ceramic industries. Conjunctive uses of surface water, groundwater and wastewater for irrigation had taken place. A survey was conducted at 25 orchards to assess leaves and soil for their boron, fluorine, lead, nickel and zinc contents. Wastewater and groundwater were also analyzed to corroborate the presence of these pollutants. The results showed that both boron and fluorine contents were greater than those reported as excess at the most part of the orchards included in the study. Heavy metals toxicity effects were not confirmed. Boron pollution was attributed to industrial wastewater spills and fluorine contamination from atmospheric pollution.

Isobaric vapor–liquid equilibrium for binary mixtures of 2-methylpentane+ethanol and +2-methyl-2-propanol

Abstract Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the binary systems, 2-methylpentane+ethanol and 2-methylpentane+2-methyl-2-propanol (TBA), are reported at 101.3 kPa, including pure component vapor pressures. The systems deviate remarkably from ideal behaviour presenting one positive azeotrope. The activity coefficients and boiling points of the solutions were correlated with its composition by Wilson, UNIQUAC, NRTL, and Wisniak–Tamir equations.

Vapor–liquid equilibria in the systems 3-methylpentane+methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl ether and 3-methylpentane+methyl 1,1-dimethylpropyl ether at 101.3 kPa

Abstract Pure-component vapor pressure of 3-methylpentane and vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) for the binary systems of 3-methylpentane with methyl 1,1-dimethylethyl ether (MTBE) and with methyl 1,1-dimethylpropyl ether (TAME) at 101.3 kPa have been measured. Both systems exhibit small positive deviations from ideality. They can be described as regular solutions and do not present azeotrope. The activity coefficients and boiling points of the solutions were correlated with its composition by Wilson, UNIQUAC, NRTL, and Wisniak–Tamir equations.

Isobaric vapor-liquid equilibrium for binary and ternary mixtures of ethanol + 2-methyl-2-propanol and 2-methylpentane + ethanol + 2-methyl-2-propanol

Abstract Consistent vapor–liquid equilibrium data for the binary and ternary systems ethanol+2-methyl-2-propanol (TBA) and 2-methylpentane+ethanol+TBA are reported at 101.3 kPa. In the binary system, the results indicate a negative deviation from ideality and no azeotrope is present. The ternary system shows negative and positive deviations from ideality, does not present azeotrope, and is well predicted from binary data. The activity coefficients and boiling points of the solutions were correlated with its composition by Wilson, UNIQUAC and NRTL equations.