Evaluation of Novel Modified Activated Alumina as Adsorbent for Arsenic Removal

In this research work, the feasibility of using novel activated alumina (AA) and modified AA adsorbents for arsenic (As) removal from drinking water was evaluated. A sol-gel derived activated alumina adsorbent was prepared. Equilibrium adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the As removal efficiency of synthesized and modified adsorbents. Results on As adsorption using Solgel AA and modified Solgel AA adsorbents demonstrated that ZnO nanoparticle-modified AA (Nanogel AA) provided better adsorption performance. The high As adsorption capacity of Nanogel AA is attributed to the enhanced pore textural and surface properties as well as to the pH independency of the adsorbent. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm fitted well with the adsorption of arsenic over modified AA.