Maghemite nanoparticles for As(V) removal: Desorption characteristics and adsorbent recovery

T. Tuutijrvi, R. Vahala, M. Sillanp, G. Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Maghemite (-Fe2O3) nanoparticles are potential adsorbents for arsenate removal from drinking water. Arsenate, As(V) oxoanion, removal is crucial due to arsenate's serious effects on health and its existence in water worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the adsorbent properties of maghemite nanoparticles by observing their stability, desorption and regeneration ability. Arsenate batch desorption and regeneration experiments were carried out with two different kinds of maghemite - a commercial product and a laboratory-synthesized one using the sol-gel process. The best alkaline desorption solution was determined from five different alkaline solutions: NaOH, Na2CO3, Na2HPO 4, NaHCO3 and CH3COONa3H2O (NaAc). Desorption kinetics were also examined. NaOH was observed to be the best desorption solution at a concentration of 1M with>95% desorption efficiency achieved for both adsorbents. The arsenate adsorption-desorption process was reversible and maghemite recovery was efficient at successive cycles. The laboratory-synthesized maghemite maintained more than 95% of its initial uptake capacity after six cycles for initial As(V) concentrations of 500 and 1000g/l, while the achievement with the commercial product was two to four cycles. In addition, iron dissolution from adsorbents was negligible. Thus, it is possible to regenerate the maghemite nanoparticles for repeated adsorption of As(V).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1927-1936
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Technology (United Kingdom)
Volume33
Issue number16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • adsorption
  • arsenate
  • desorption
  • maghemite
  • nanoparticle
  • regeneration

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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