Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is one of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

which is commonly found in aquatic environment. In this study

DBP removal by magnetic ion exchange resin (MIEX) was investigated with respect to kinetics

isotherms

charge density analysis

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as well as the effect of accompanying components. The removal of DBP was stable after 20 min

and pseudo-second kinetic model could well depict the removal process. In neutral pH soultion

the maxium uptake capacity of DBP by MIEX was around 0.944 mg·g-1. Since the charge density of DBP was only 2.7×10-3 mmol·mmol-1 at neutral pH

the removal of DBP by MIEX was mainly based on the hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding between MIEX matrix and DBP

instead of ion exchange. High concentrations of accompanying and did not affect the DBP removal. The presence of humic acid (HA) slightly decreased the DBP removal; however

the HA removal by MIEX was not affected at all. As an emerging novel technology for the removal of natural organic matters

MIEX can also remove DBP from aqueous solution. Therefore

it can be applied for drinking water treatment when surface water with complex micropollutants was used as the source.