Environmental Impacts of Fluoranthene and Extraction using Ionic Liquid

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are potentially harmful contaminants due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. The need for effective monitoring of PAHs has increased significantly and remains a primary environmental concern because they are persistent and recalcitrant. Hence, PAHs have been prioritised for environmental pollution regulations focused on identifying these contaminants. The United States Protection Agency (US EPA) has identified about sixteen and included them in the priority list of pollutants, including fluoranthene. This study investigates the environmental impacts of fluoranthene and control using 1-propyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (propylMIMBr) ionic liquid. The study adopts a qualitative research method using journal publications from verifiable sources and a quantitative research method using scientific experiments. Findings from this study reveal that >1g of fluoranthene is soluble in 2g of propylMIMBr ionic liquid at 74°C and can be isolated as a viscous pale yellow liquid in 90% yield for reuse and recycling. Thus, novel technologies should be explored to maximise material recovery from environments contaminated with aromatic compounds, which can enhance material recycling.