Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocomposite for Surface Assimilation of Phytoestrogens

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are diverse group of plant-derived compounds that structurally or functionally mimic mammalian estrogens. The concentrations of Phytoestrogens (1,380 ng/l) are particularly high in wastewater from industries involving soy products. The removal of such hazardous organic compounds from wastewater is one of the most important environmental issues to be solved today. In the present study, the potential usage of nanozeolites as adsorbents for the removal of organic molecules from water was investigated. Two types of nanocrystalline zeolites were synthesized and their size in nanometer range (1×10−9 m) was analyzed by characterization (XRD and SEM techniques). The effective adsorption of phytoestrogens (Biochanin A, Formononetin, Coumestrol, Genistein, Daidzein) was optimized i.e. dosage of adsorbent, time of contact between adsorbent and adsorbate. The reduction in phytoestrogens was observed as: Daidzein> Formononetin> Genisetin> Coumestrol> Biochaninn A. The rate of adsorption and selectivity of particular phytoestrogen was analysed using adsorption isotherms of the Langmuir type and calculations showed that the amount of adsorption of phytoestrogen on nanozeolites was significant (60%). The comparative study of two nanocrystalline zeolite estimated that nanocrystalline zeolite Beta was more effective against phytoestrogens.