Volume 14, Issue 2 (9-2026)                   J Environ Health Eng 2026, 14(2): 206-219 | Back to browse issues page

Ethics code: IR.MEDSAB.REC.1403.159

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Riahimanesh F, Alahabadi A, Mahdipour F, Baghaee M, Salari M. Investigation of the Effect of Dissolved Ions on the Removal Efficiency of the Pesticide Malathion from Aqueous Media Using Modified Activated Carbon. , J Environ Health Eng. 2026; 14 (2) :206-219
URL: http://jehe.abzums.ac.ir/article-1-1153-en.html
1- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran & Student Research Committee, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran 3 Department of Education, Sabzevar, Iran
2- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
3- Department of Education, Sabzevar, Iran
4- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran , msalari_22@yahoo.com
Abstract:   (22 Views)
Background: Contamination of aquatic environments with organophosphorus pesticides, including malathion, is an important environmental and public health concern. The ionic composition of natural waters and wastewaters may affect adsorption-based treatment. This study investigated the effect of dissolved ions on malathion removal from aqueous media using modified activated carbon.
Materials and Methods: Modified activated carbon was prepared from pomegranate wood using ammonium chloride. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of pH (2–10), adsorbent dose (0.4–1.5 g/L), and contact time (2–60 min) at an initial malathion concentration of 50 mg/L. The effects of chloride, nitrate, sulfate, bicarbonate/carbonate, and phosphate anions, as well as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron cations, were assessed at 1 and 10 mM. Residual malathion concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.
Results: The highest removal efficiency was achieved at approximately pH 7, an adsorbent dose of 1 g/L, and a contact time of 15 min, with about 86% malathion removal. Phosphate and bicarbonate/carbonate caused the greatest reduction in adsorption efficiency, whereas chloride and nitrate had limited effects. Calcium and magnesium enhanced removal at the higher concentration, while iron markedly reduced adsorption performance.
Conclusion: The ionic composition of aqueous media plays a key role in malathion adsorption onto modified activated carbon. Therefore, the type and concentration of dissolved ions should be considered when designing and optimizing adsorption-based treatment processes for surface waters and wastewaters.
Full-Text [PDF 377 kb]   (6 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2026/02/5 | Accepted: 2026/08/18 | Published: 2026/09/20

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