Arsenic(V) removal from aqueous solutions using an anion exchanger derived from coconut coir pith and its recovery

The performance of a new anion exchanger (AE) prepared from coconut coir pith (CP), for the removal of arsenic(V) [As(V)] from aqueous solutions was evaluated in this study. The adsorbent (CP–AE) carrying dimethylaminohydroxypropyl weak base functional group was synthesized by the reaction of CP with epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine followed by treatment of hydrochloric acid. IR spectroscopy results confirm the presence of −NH+(CH3)2Cl− group in the adsorbent. XRD studies confirm the decrease of crystallinity in CP–AE compared to CP, and it favours the protrusion of the functional group into the aqueous medium. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the efficiency of the adsorbent on As(V) removal. Maximum removal of 99.2% was obtained for an initial concentration of 1 mg l−1 As(V) at pH 7.0 and an adsorbent dose of 2 g l−1. The kinetics of sorption of As(V) onto CP–AE was described using the pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium isotherms were determined for different temperatures and the results were analysed using the Langmuir equation. The temperature dependence indicates an exothermic process. Utility of the adsorbent was tested by removing As(V) from simulated groundwater. Regeneration studies were performed using 0.1 N HCl. Batch adsorption–desorption studies illustrate that CP–AE could be used to remove As(V) from ground water and other industrial effluents.