Effective removal of arsenate from wastewater using aluminium enriched ferric oxide-hydroxide recovered from authentic acid mine drainage

Abstract

This study explored an eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of novel aluminium enriched ferric oxide-hydroxide (Fe/AlO(OH)) from authentic acid mine drainage (AMD). The synthesized Fe/AlO(OH) was subsequently tested for arsenate removal capabilities. Fe/AlO(OH) was synthesized from bona fide AMD via selective precipitation, thermal activation, and vibratory ball milling. One-factor-at-a-time (OFAAT) method was used to optimize operational parameters, which include adsorbent dosage, concentration, pH, agitation time, and temperature. Optimized conditions were observed to be 150 ppm of As(V), Solid: Liquid ratio – 1 g: 250 mL, contact time of 60 min, and ambient temperature and pH. Limited temperature and pH effects on adsorption were observed. Equilibrium data fits using Langmuir-, Freundlich-, Two surface Langmuir-, Dubinin-Radushkevich-, and Dubinin-Astokov isotherm models showed highly favorable adsorption conditions, the highest known maximum adsorption capacity for As(V) of 102–129 mg g−1, and coupled physisorption/diffusion limited adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis showed positive Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), negative enthalpy change (ΔH°), and positive entropy change (ΔS°) – likely a result of an inner sphere complexation of the As(V) with the Fe/Al surface. Considering the obtained results, valorization of AMD for the synthesis of Fe/AlO(OH) was viable and effective. This initiative could potentially minimize the footprints of AMD and arsenic pollution.