Insight into Thiabendazole interaction with montmorillonite and organically modified montmorillonites

Abstract

The interactions of the fungicide, thiabendazole (TBZ) on montmorillonite (Mt) and organoclays synthesizedfrom phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMA) was investigated forwater remediation. The affinity of TBZ on the surface of Mt and organoclays was evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the experimental results were also reinforced by molecularmodelling in order to explore the surfaces arrangements. TBZ was protonated upon interaction with negativechargedMt and therefore this strong electrostatic interactions prevented it´s desorption in water. Repulsive electrostaticinteractions between the cationic surfactant ODTMA and the cationic form of TBZ on the outer surface ofthe ODTMA modified Mt resulted in high desorption values. In the DSPC modified Mt, TBZ was anchored withinthe surfactant chains and a small amount of interlayer water was released from the interlayer space.