LAUSR

Abstract The interactions of the fungicide, thiabendazole (TBZ) on montmorillonite (Mt) and organoclays synthesized from phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMA) was investigated for water 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 molecular modelling in order to explore the surfaces arrangements. TBZ was protonated upon interaction with negative charged Mt and therefore this strong electrostatic interactions prevented it's desorption in water. Repulsive electrostatic interactions between the cationic surfactant ODTMA and the cationic form of TBZ on the outer surface of the ODTMA modified Mt resulted in high desorption values. In the DSPC modified Mt, TBZ was anchored within the surfactant chains and a small amount of interlayer water was released from the interlayer space.