Fixed-bed column adsorption modeling using Zr biocomposites for fluoride removal.

This research involved conducting continuous adsorption experiments to assess fluoride elimination from drinking water achieved by utilizing biocomposites created from the peels of oranges and apples, which were impregnated with zirconium (Zr), to form BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr, respectively. The findings from the experimental data indicate that BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr are effective biosorbents with a solid ability to remove fluoride selectively. Additionally, these biosorbents were found to be stable, as they do not release Zr into the treated water. Notably, these environmentally friendly biosorbents are derived from renewable sources and enhance the value of waste materials. The study employed various empirical models, including Bohart-Adamas, Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, BDST, Clark, Yan, and Woolborska, to elucidate the mechanisms and crucial parameters involved in fluoride adsorption within packed bed columns. The Yan model demonstrated the highest correlation among these models, indicating a chemical adsorption process with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order pattern. BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 59.3 and 47.5 mg/g, respectively, under a flow rate of 4 mL/min and an inlet fluoride concentration of 25 mg/L. The analysis of mass transfer coefficients revealed that the primary step governing the adsorption procedure was diffusion through pores. Consequently, the study conclusively establishes that BOP-Zr and BAP-Zr biocomposites, originating from lignocellulosic biomass remains, present a practical and competitive choice for eliminating fluoride from water. These materials surpass waste materials in performance and rival more expensive options in efficiency and performance.

Lignocellulosic Biomass as Sorbent for Fluoride Removal in Drinking Water.

Water supply to millions of people worldwide is of alarmingly poor quality. Supply sources are depleting, whereas demand is increasing. Health problems associated with water consumption exceeding 1.5 mg/L of fluoride are a severe concern for the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, it is urgent to research and develop new technologies and innovative materials to achieve partial fluoride reduction in water intended for human consumption. The new alternative technologies must be environmentally friendly and be able to remove fluoride at the lowest possible costs. So, the use of waste from lignocellulosic biomasses provides a promising alternative to commercially inorganic-based adsorbents-published studies present bioadsorbent materials competing with conventional inorganic-based adsorbents satisfactorily. However, it is still necessary to improve the modification methods to enhance the adsorption capacity and selectivity, as well as the reuse cycles of these bioadsorbents.