Adsorption efficiency of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers modified with ethylenediamine for nitrate removal

This study investigates the potential of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers chemically modified with ethylenediamine (EDA) as effective adsorbents for nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) removal from wastewater. The nanofibers treated with 100% EDA at 95 degrees C exhibited the highest adsorption capacity of 47 mg/g at 5 h of reaction time, whereas those at 80 degrees C showed an increased adsorption capacity over time, reaching 46 mg/g after 15 h. Optimal NO3-N adsorption was observed in the weakly acidic pH range (3-6). This study also explored the field applicability and regeneration potential of PAN-EDA nanofibers. An adsorption-regeneration experiment involving fixed-bed columns showed promising results, with the adsorbent's performance sustained over multiple uses. Overall, this study concluded that PAN-EDA nanofibers are effective and reusable adsorbents for nitrate removal, paving the way for more sustainable wastewater treatment strategies.