Synthesis of F127/PAA hydrogels for removal of heavy metal ions from organic wastewater

Organic matters in wastewater dramatically impaired the removal capability of adsorbents to heavy metal ions , thus greatly limited their applications for real systems. Here we fabricated the F127/PAA hydrogels that could effectively remove Cu 2+ and Hg 2+ from organic wastewater due to their anti-fouling properties against organic matters. The F127/PAA hydrogels performed high swelling ratio and mechanical stress, showing maximum adsorption capacities of Cu 2+ and Hg 2+ at 283.4 and 222.1 mg/g, respectively. For the BSA containing water, the removal ratio of Cu 2+ and Hg 2+ by F127/PAA hydrogels could reach to 94.0% and 70.2%, respectively. For the humic acid containing water, the corresponding data were 89.5% and 72.1%. Besides, five cyclic adsorption–desorptions in humic acid solution and simulated cosmetic wastewater only slightly decreased the removal efficiencies of F127/PAA hydrogels to Cu 2+ and Hg 2+ . Our results suggested the potential application of the F127/PAA hydrogels in treatment of real organic wastewater.