Preparing of novel fibrous ligand exchange adsorbent for rapid column-mode trace phosphate removal from water

• Novel adsorbent is prepared and characterized for rapid trace phosphate removal.
• Trace phosphate can remove in the presence of competing ions at high flow rate.
• Phosphate can be removed without water pH adjustment with high efficiency.
• The adsorbent is reversible and reusable without deterioration in its performances.

We developed a potentially high-performance adsorbent for sustainable treatment of soluble inorganic trace phosphate from water by zirconium(IV) loaded bifunctional fibers. In the presence of common Cl− and SO42−, phosphate adsorption was not adversely affected but slightly enhanced due to co-ion and Donnan invasion mechanism. Trace phosphorus (0.0143 mM) was also removed in presence of relatively high amounts of competing anions at high feed flow rate (850 h−1). In competitive arsenate and phosphate adsorption, this novel adsorbent slightly preferred phosphate to arsenate. The adsorbent is reversible and keeps remaining functionality to further reuse in many cycles.

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