Modified Silica with ?-cyclodextrin as new sorbent for heavy metals

Due to the shortage of freshwater resources in Oman, water treatment is becoming very important as a method to cover some of the fresh water shortage to be utilized in irrigation and industry. Organic pollutants and heavy metal contamination are considered to be direct threat to the environment and human health. In this research, insoluble ?-cyclodextrin-silica polymer will be prepared using Epichlorohydrin as cross-coupling agent. The newly prepared polymer possess hydrophilic properties outside the molecules of fixed ?-cyclodextrin. However, the molecule still possess hydrophobic properties inside the molecule cavity. Thus it can be used to remove heavy metals and organic compounds from wastewater. ?-cyclodextrin-silica polymer will be analyzed and characterized using standard methods. ?-cyclodextrin-silica polymer will be tested for the removal of different heavy metals and some selected organic compounds. Sorption studies will be investigated in batch and dynamic modes with recyclability tests for reuse.