Remediation of Fluoride Laden Water by Complexation with Triethylamine Modified Maize Tassels
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Date
2016
Authors
Mwangi, Charles K.
Mwangi, Isaac W.
Wanjau, Ruth N.
Swaleh, Sauda
Ram, Manohar
Ngila, J.C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Center of Science and Education
Abstract
Several methods for the removal of fluorides in water have been proposed, most of which rely on the use of
biomaterials and bone char. In such processes, the adsorbent become loaded with the pre-concentrated pollutant
leading to a disposal problem. This study reports on the modification of the maize tassels with triethylamine
followed by its subsequent application on the removal of fluoride ions from water. The theory underlying the
removal method is based on the interaction of the permanently charged quaternized material with the highly
electronegative fluoride ion. This is a regeneratable, affordable, eco-friendly, solution to the problem of
secondary pollution and sustainable water remediation method of this toxic water pollutant. The resulting
biomaterial derived from agricultural waste was used in the removal experiments on both model solutions and
real water samples. The effect of pH, contact time, initial fluoride concentration and biomaterial resin dosage
were investigated. It was observed that the amount complexed fluoride ions per unit mass of biomaterial
increased with increase in concentration up to a point of saturation. The optimum removal pH was found to be
4.0. The biomaterial was very effective in fluoride removal as 86% of the fluoride was removed within the first
20 min. However, the uptake of fluoride ions in real water samples was found to be slightly lower compared to
the model solutions. The experimental data was analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. It fitted best
in the Langmuir isotherm implying a chemisorption process. The adsorption capacity was found to be 0.19 mg/g
and it was also observed that the sorbent when packed in a SPE column could be regenerated by stripping the
attached fluoride ions with a dilute hydrochloric acid solution. These findings show that the modified material is
suitable for application in the removal of fluorides in water at a point of use. This is intended to offer a solution
to the drinking water for the children born by the population living in areas that are naturally fluoridated. Such
parents are mean with their smile due to the problem of their permanently brown stained teeth.
Description
DOI:10.5539/enrr.v6n1p44
Keywords
Maize tassels, Modification, Triethylamine, Fluoride, Remediation
Citation
Environment and Natural Resources Research; Vol. 6, No. 1; 2016