Environmentally Friendly Biocomposites for The Adsorption of Mancozeb Pesticide from Water

Objective: Developing polyurethane foams and composites incorporating petroleum catalyst residue (RC) and rice husk ash (RHA) to adsorb the pesticide mancozeb from water. Theoretical Framework: The annual global consumption of pesticides reaches 2.6 million tons, resulting in significant environmental impacts. Not only does this excess increase health risks, but the persistence of pesticides in water bodies emphasizes the need for effective alternatives for their removal, such as adsorption using polyurethane foams. Method: The polyurethane composites were synthesized with the incorporation of 20% and 50% of RC and RHA waste, respectively, in relation to the total mass of polyols. Characterization analyses were carried out using thermogravimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The composites were immersed in aqueous solutions of mancozeb at a concentration of 500 ppm, stirred for 24 hours at 150 rpm and the solution analyzed by UV-Vis. Results and Discussion: The foams showed chemical and dimensional stability. The composites synthesized with a high amount of waste incorporated achieved greater adsorption capacity. Research Implications: Este trabalho promove a economia circular ao desenvolver compósitos de poliuretano que incorporam resíduos para a remoção eficiente de pesticidas da água. Originality/Value: The results are promising for the use of waste in the production of sustainable polyurethane foams that can be applied in the water purification process.