Research Project Lab Report

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Texas A&M University *

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320

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Chemistry

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Marquino Franchezka Nina Marquino Lab Partner: Rachel Lim TA: Ada March 10, 2022 Chemistry Research Project Introduction Chemical pollutants hurt the environment because they do not decompose quickly in nature. Pollutants that remain in the environment can cause bioaccumulation. The experiment's purpose is to discover a low-cost method for removing hazardous contaminants from the environment (PAH). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that might cause cancer or irritation of the eyes and respiratory passages. They are emitted through the combustion of coal, oil, and wood, among other things. During this experiment, the efficacy of absorbing agents such as zeolite (both unmagnetized and magnetized) and charcoal will be investigated. Experimental Summary Two cuvettes were washed three times with distilled water to prepare the undiluted red dye sample. One cuvette was filled with distilled water as a blank, while the other was washed with 0.5 mL of red dye solution before being filled with the red dye solution. This was the red dye sample that had not been diluted. A 5 mL volumetric pipet and a 10 mL flask were used to prepare red-dye calibration samples by dilution. Concentrations of 50%, 25%, and 12.5 percent of the original red-dye stock solution were created.

2 Marquino To determine whether unmagnetized zeolite, magnetized zeolite, or charcoal was more successful in removing the red-dye solution, red-dye extraction was made using the following procedure for each of the three adsorbing agents. The weight was reported to the closest 0.0001 gram after obtaining around 0.1-0.3 grams of adsorbing agent. The adsorbing agent was finely ground in a mortar using a pestle. A funnel, filter paper, and a 25 mL volumetric flask were then used to create a filter. The mortar contents were then transferred to filter paper using the red dye as a rinse. If the solution was too cloudy, it was filtered again. Logger Pro and SpectroVis Plus were used to measure the absorbance of the red-dye solution. The spectrophotometer was calibrated by inserting a blank sample into it and warming up the light. After calibration, a cuvette containing the standard solution was inserted into the spectrophotometer to obtain the entire spectrum and the data was saved as a LoggerPro file. A calibration curve was created using the configuration of the spectrophotometer data acquisition tool. Since the entire spectrum is already available, the wavelength of λmax is automatically selected and specified. The wavelength was entered in the lab notebook. The diluent was then loaded into the spectrophotometer and the respective concentrations were entered into the program. Once the readings for each sample were stable, the absorbance was recorded. After recording the absorbance of each sample, the data was exported as CSV. File. Finally, we performed an absorbance analysis of charcoal and zeolite by opening a new Logger Pro file and recalibrating the spectrophotometer. Zeolite samples were used to obtain a complete spectrum. The absorbance was λmax and was recorded at 750 nm. Next, it was decided that the activated charcoal sample would disappear and Logger Pro was closed. The laboratory area was cleaned and the used material was disposed of in a suitable waste container.

3 Marquino Results and Calculations: The mass of the magnetized zeolite was 0.4123 grams; the mass of the unmagnetized zeolite was 0.4181 grams; and the mass of the charcoal was 0.3966 grams respectively. Λ max was recorded at 530.2 nm. The R-value of the trendline was 0.9959. The initial concentration of the red-dye solution was 0.050 mM. Table 1: Calibration Curve Data: Absorbance and Concentration Solution Concentration of Red Dye Absorbance @λmax Stock Solution 0.05 mM 0.588 Dilution 1 (50%) 0.025 mM 0.248 Dilution 2 (25%) 0.0125 mM 0.122 Dilution 3 (12.5%) 0.00625 mM 0.048 Figure 1: Calibration Curve Table 2: Solutions Absorbance λmax (530.2) nm Activated Charcoal 0.209 Unmagnetized Zeolite 0.705

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4 Marquino Magnetized Zeolite 1.603 Finding The Concentration of Red Dye Left in each solution: C = A/ ε C= concentration A= Absorbance ε = molar absorbity Concentration of red dye left in each solution Activated Charcoal 0.0170 Unmagnetized Zeolite 0.0572 Magnetized Zeolite 0.130 Discussion and Analysis The adsorbing agent was projected to be the most efficient in removing red-dye from water with the charcoal. Although the magnetic zeolite appeared to absorb more than the unmagnetized zeolite, it has been proven to be more efficient in adsorption. In terms of real-world applications, if a country is experiencing economic difficulties or a scarcity of charcoal, magnetic zeolite might be used to clean up compounds like those depicted by the red-dye solution. While magnetic zeolite had an absorbance of 0.130, charcoal had a greater absorbance rate of 0.0170 than unmagnetized zeolite (0.0572). The cause of the error can be fine particles that may remain in the cuvette after centrifugation and improper filtration of the adsorbent. This error may have affected the reading of the absorbance from the spectrophotometer. One possible measure to counter this error is to centrifuge twice. Red dyes have a similar chemical structure and are a good model for PAHs. Zeolites with a similar

5 Marquino chemical structure can adsorb such substances due to their chemical composition containing voids. Conclusion Charcoal was not proven to be the most successful and effective adsorption of the model of PAHs. However, since it still had a better absorption than unmagnetized zeolite, we can still claim that it has the ability to improve the process of removing harmful particles from the world's water sources. Experimenting in this laboratory is similar to the real problems that the EPA may face as the world becomes more industrialized. In the event of an out-of-control situation, such as a financial crisis or supply shortage, it is important to find an alternative source to effectively absorb toxic substances. Measuring the absorbance of adsorbents such as zeolite and charcoal demonstrates that there are inexpensive alternatives for cleaning up hazardous substances in the environment.

6 Marquino References Abdel-Shafy, H. I., & Mansour, M. S. M. (2015, December 18). A review on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Source, environmental impact, effect on human health and remediation. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110062114200237. Kjellstrom, T., & Lodh, M. (1970, January 1). Air and Water Pollution: Burden and Strategies for Control. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11769/. McCartney; Lee, Edward. General Chemistry of the Texas Environment Chemistry 120 Laboratory Manual, 8th Edition; Hayden-McNeil, 2019; 253-268.

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