Fluoride removal by Al, Ti, and Fe hydroxides and coexisting ion effect

Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate fluoride removal by Al, Fe, and Ti-based coagulants and adsorbents, as well as the effects of coexisting ions and formation of aluminum-fluoride complexes on fluoride removal by co-precipitation with alum (Al2(SO4)3·18H2O). Aluminum sulfate was more efficient than the other coagulants for fluoride removal in the pH range between 6 and 8. Nano-crystalline TiO2 was more effective for fluoride removal than Al and Fe hydroxides in a pH range of 3-5. Coexisting anions in water decreased the removal of fluoride in the order: phosphate (2.5 mg/L) > arsenate (0.1 mg/L) > bicarbonate (200 mg/L) > sulfate (100 mg/L) = nitrate (100 mg/L) > silicate (10 mg/L) at a pH of 6.0. The effect of silicate became more significant at pH > 7.0. Calcium and magnesium improved the removal of fluoride. Zeta-potential measurements determined that the adsorption of fluoride shifted the PZC of Al(OH)3 precipitates from 8.9 to 8.4, indicating the chemical adsorption of fluoride at the surface. The presence of fluoride in solution significantly increased the soluble aluminum concentration at pH < 6.5. A Visual MINTEQ modeling study indicated that the increased aluminum solubility was caused by the formation of AlF2 +, AlF2+, and AlF3 complexes. The AlFx complexes decreased the removal of fluoride during co-precipitation with aluminum sulfate.

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