Iron oxide adsorbers for arsenic removal: A low cost treatment for rural areas and mobile applications

Nanoscale iron oxide particles were synthesized and deposited on porous alumina tubes to develop tubular ceramic adsorbers for the removal of arsenic, which is an extremely toxic contaminant even in very low concentrations. In addition, its natural presence affects rural and low-income populations in developing countries in Latin America and around the world which makes it essential to develop an user-friendly, low energy demanding and low cost treatment technology. The system can be operated with minimal trans-membrane pressure difference and does not require pumping. The support tubes and final membrane have been characterized by surface area and porosity measurements, permeability tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Arsenic concentrations were determined by ICP-OES. This easy to use and low cost process is effective in the removal of arsenic and may provide a valuable solution to the groundwater quality issue in Latin America.