Sorption of As(V) ions by akaganéite-type nanocrystals

A priority pollution problem, the removal of arsenate oxyanions from dilute aqueous solutions by sorption onto synthetic akaganéite (beta-FeO(OH)) was the aim of the present study. This is an innovative inorganic adsorbent material prepared in the laboratory, following a new method of preparation. The effect of akaganéite and arsenate concentration, the contact time, temperature, solution pH value, and ionic strength variation on the treatment process was mainly investigated during this study. Typical adsorption isotherms were determined, which were found to fit sufficiently the typical Langmuir equation. The mechanism of sorption was examined by electrokinetic, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infrared and scanning electron microscopy measurements. Promising results were obtained, due to the favourite characteristics of the adsorbent applied.     

Chromium(VI) sorptive removal from aqueous solutions by nanocrystalline akaganèite

In this study, akaganeite (beta-FeO(OH)) an ironoxyhydroxide material, was used as a low-cost potential adsorbent for the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions. The influence of agitation speed, solution pH, initial chromium concentration, sorbent concentration and temperature were evaluated at batch kinetic runs. It was shown that the solid diffusion model, in comparison to simple reaction kinetic models, described better the sorption kinetics. Freundlich and Frumkin isotherm best fitted the equilibrium results. Akaganeite presented a sorption capacity approximately 80 mg Cr(VI) g(-1), under the conditions studied. Flotation was used as a downstream process for the effective removal of the loaded material.