Synthesis of nano-ZIF-8@chitosan microspheres and its rapid removal ofp-hydroxybenzoic acid from the agro-industry and preservatives

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid is an emerging contaminant because it has multiple sources such as the hydrolysis of methylparaben, ethylparaben and propylparaben used widely as preservatives in food and drinks, and as well as from the agro-industrial wastewaters. In this study, the nano-ZIF-8@chitosan microspheres (ZIF-8@CSM) were fabricated via the combination of inverse emulsion method and in-situ growth method. The performance of ZIF-8@CSM for the adsorption ofp-hydroxybenzoic acid from aqueous solution was studied. The adsorption kinetics showed that the adsorption rapidly reached the equilibrium about 30 s. The equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isothermal model and the estimated maximum adsorption capacity was 128.70 mg/g. The thermodynamics analysis indicated negative free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes suggesting that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. ZIF-8@CSM is promising to be used as a good adsorption material to removep-hydroxybenzoic acid rapidly from aqueous solutions.