4-TERT-BUTYLBENZOIC ACID-INCORPORATED POLYSTYRENE: AN EFFECTIVE CATION-EXCHANGE POLYMER MATRIX FOR THE REMOVAL OF METAL IONS FROM TANNERY EFFLUENT

The preparation of a 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid-incorporated polystyrene matrix as the polymer matrix for removing the metal ions present in water is reported. The hydrophobic interaction between the polystyrene and the tert-butyl group of carboxylic acid was exploited to bind the carboxylic acid on polystyrene. Thus prepared polymer matrix was investigated for its ability to exchange and remove metal ions from water. Better efficiency was obtained with different metal ions, including copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, chromium (III), etc., during a batch process as well as a continuous process. The carboxylic acid was not leached out during the process and the hydrophobic force was strong enough to avoid leaching out. Further, it was employed to remove metal ions, particularly chromium, from tannery effluent.