Sorption of Arsenate by the Calcined Mg-Al Layered Double Hydroxide

Special concern has been given to the elevated arsenic content in soils because of its high mobility and toxicity. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) which has a high anionic exchange capacity is another potential anion adsorbent for toxic anions such as arsenic, chromate and selenium etc. The uptake of arsenate from aqueous solutions by the calcined Mg-Al LDH has been investigated. The sorption capacity was about 530 mmol/kg. Sorption isotherm was defined as L-type in which arsenate was removed by LDH through anion uptake reaction. Arsenate sorption by the calcined Mg-Al LDH was occurred by reconstruction of LDH's framework. Competitive adsorption revealed that Mg-Al LDH had higher selectivity for arsenate than for sulfate. These results strongly suggest that calcined Mg-Al LDH has a promising potential for efficient removal of toxic metal oxides like arsenates from aqueous environments.