Polyacrylonitrile-grafted Plantago psyllium mucilage for the removal of suspended and dissolved solids from tannery effluent

Grafted copolymer of Plantago psyllium mucilage and acrylonitrile (Psy–g–PAN) has been synthesized in the presence of nitrogen using a ceric ion–nitric acid redox system. The solid removal efficiency of this copolymer was tested with tannery effluent. The suitable pH, optimum dose of polymer and contact time for the maximum removal of suspended (SS) and dissolved solids (TDS) are reported. The optimum dose was found to be 1.2 mg l−1. The suitable pH values, at which a maximum SS removal of about 89% and TDS removal of about 27% occurred, were found to be 7.0 and 9.2 for SS and TDS, respectively. The optimum treatment duration was 3 h. The analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns of Psy–g–PAN and solid waste from effluent before and after treatment suggests the interaction of the solid waste with the Psy–g–PAN copolymer.