Liquid adsorption of tobacco specific N-nitrosamines by zeolite and activated carbon

Abstract In order to control the tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA) pollution caused by smoking, liquid adsorption of TSNA in tobacco-extract solution by modified activated carbon, zeolites and other porous materials was systemically studied with the monitor of Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) technique. The effect of solid–liquid ratio, the porous structure and surface acidic-basicity of sorbent on the liquid adsorption was assessed. Among various activated carbon (AC) samples modified with acid soak, ion-exchange or impregnation, the impregnated sorbent ZnAC could remove 73% of the TSNA in the solution, offering a cost-effective candidate for potential industrial application. Zeolite CaA was also efficient to trap more than 40% of TSNA in tobacco solution, and the influence of cation on the adsorption of TSNA by zeolite and the possible selectivity for the components of TSNA such as NNN, NAT and NNK were carefully examined. Besides, the fabrication of optimal micro-environment for liquid adsorption of TSNA was explored.