Removal of fluoride ions from water solutions by hydroxyapatite loaded aluminium gelled alginate particles

Abstract

Fluoride ions (F-)might be found in drinking or wastewaters in too high concentrations either due to the anthropogenic activity or some natural sources. Due to their negative effects on human health, allowed concentrations for F- content in drinking water have been decreased. Therefore, in the last decade, investigations into researches in new materials/techniques for fluoride removal from water streams have been intensified. This paper examines the potential of hydroxyapatite loaded aluminum gelled alginate particles as an efficient and cheap sorbent for F- removal. The adsorbent characterization before and after F- adsorption was performed using FT-IR technique. Adsorption experiments were conducted in a stirring batch mode, varying concentration of adsorbate. Obtained results indicate good adsorption capacity and removal efficiency, while FTIR spectra analysis point to the increased stability of investigated adsorbent compared to Al-alginate without HAP.