Removal of pesticides from water by anionic clays

The exchange of chloride ions by ions from the pesticide family 2.4-dichlor ophenoxyacetate (2.4D) in [Zn-Al-Cl] anionic clay was investigated by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The effects of 2.4D concentration i n solution and temperature on the ion exchange were studied, The best sampl e in terms of crystallinity, was obtained at 100 degrees C with a 2.4D conc entration corresponding to the solubility limit of the ion in water. This s ample was further characterised by chemical analyses and scanning electron microscopy. The anion intercalation was effected without degradation of the pesticide anion.