Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Supervisor
Ray, Ajay K.
Abstract
Arsenic poisoning in water is a global concern for many years due to its high carcinogenic and toxic effect on the human body. Adsorption is one of the promising technology to treat arsenic-contaminant water. Recently, natural adsorbent modified with metal oxide/hydroxide is being studied widely, because of its great removal efficiency, inexpensive and eco-friendly properties.
In the present study, two low-cost adsorbents namely Aerocrete and Vermiculite (modified with iron oxy-hydroxide) were assessed for arsenic (both As(III) and As(V)) removal. The maximum removal of As(V) was ~99% at pH 6 for both adsorbents (3g/L). Optimum removal of As(III) was observed at a pH range of 6 to 8. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms described the adsorption equilibrium data. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted well with the experimentally obtained kinetic data. No significant effect on the adsorption of As(III) was observed in the presence of ions (i.e., Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, HCO3-, SO42-, or Cl-). Results showed that the proposed adsorbents (Aerocrete and Vermiculite) are promising in removing As(III) from the water.
Recommended Citation
Mondal, Mrinmoyee, "A Comprehensive Study of Arsenic Removal From Aqueous Solution Using Low-Cost Adsorbents" (2018). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 5933.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/5933
