Argentinian Sugar Cane Vinasse: Characterization of Phenolic Compounds and Evaluation of Adsorption as a Possible Remediation Technique

Chemical composition of sugar cane vinasse (Tucumán, Argentina) was studied finding high concentration of organic compounds. Phenolic compounds were partially characterized, finding mostly flavonoids, anthocyanins, as well as resorcinol and ferulic acid derivatives. Adsorption isotherms of phenolic compounds and total organic compounds were measured on four commercial activated carbons with different physical and chemical properties at two temperatures. The isotherm shape depends on the type of carbon and the adsorption capacity is enhanced as temperature increases. Enthalpies of the adsorption process were estimated, revealing that the adsorption of organic compounds is a chemisorption process, while the adsorption of phenolic compounds is a physisorption process on three of the tested carbons and a chemisorption process on the other one (CONCARBO).