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In this work a number of computational methods have been applied to study the adsorption of dimethylmercury (DMM) on the (ZnO)6 cluster and the influences of the supports (MgO, SBA-15) and external ions (Cl−, OH−) on the adsorption process: the energy and electronic properties were calculated using Geometry, Frequency, Noncovalent, eXtended Tight Binding method; global minimum was found by using the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm; the Growing String Method was used to scan the potential energy surface to determine the transition states, and the stability of the adsorption products was investigated via molecular dynamic simulations. The calculated results show that the interaction between (ZnO)6 and DMM are both kinetically and thermodynamically favorable. The strong chemisorption of DMM on the (ZnO)6/MgO and (ZnO)6/SBA-15 is the consequence of the interaction between (ZnO)6 cluster and the supports. The higher adsorption affinity toward DMM of (ZnO)6/MgO, compared to (ZnO)6/SBA-15, is due to the synergistic effect of MgO with (ZnO)6. However, in the OH− ion environment, (ZnO)6/SBA-15, reversely, seemed to be a better adsorbent for DMM molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The elevated metaldehyde (a toxic molluscicide) concentrations in UK and EU water bodies are a major concern among water treatment professionals and related stakeholders. The difficulty of removing metaldehyde using conventional water treatment methods has motivated researchers to develop more effective treatment solutions. In this contribution, we have utilized density functional theory (DFT) to fundamentally investigate the adsorptive interactions (e.g. binding energy) between metaldehyde and sulfonic functional group in an ion exchange resin. Adsorption of the cationic metaldehyde on deprotonated sulfonic group is substantial with a binding energy amounting to 130.9 kcal/mol. Preliminary results on an experimental study involving adsorption of metaldehyde on ion exchange resin are also reported. Our findings would complement the existing body of knowledge on metaldehyde removal. Unlabelled Image • We study adsorptive interactions between metaldehyde and sulfonic functional group. • This occurs in an ion exchange resin. • Adsorption (binding) energies are calculated using density functional theory. • Binding energy of cationic metaldehyde-deprotonated sulfonic group = 130.9 kcal/mol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]