Role of Cu on zero valent bimetallic Cu—Fe in arsenic removal with gas bubbling

Arsenic (As) removal by nano bimetallic Cu-Fe synthesized by in-situ (Cu-Fe)IS and impregnation (Cu-Fe)IM techniques was studied. Synthesized Cu-Fe by both techniques provided smaller particles than NZVI particles. (Cu-Fe)IM showed higher efficiency in As removal, compared to (Cu-Fe)IS and pristine NZVI. Batch experiments were performed by varying percent Cu loading (0–30% by wt). As(III) was removed completely by 10 wt % Cu loading on NZVI under an IM technique. It also provided double removal rate compared to pristine NZVI. X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis supported that a mixed phases of Cu2O and CuO in (Cu-Fe)IM enhanced As removal toward co-precipitating with iron species about 20% for both As(III) and As(V) removal. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2017