Removal of Phosphorus from Contaminated Wastewater Using an Iron-Containing Quaternized Wood Nanocomposite

ABSTRACT Iron-containing quaternized wood nanocomposites have the ability to remove phos- phorus from water more quickly than non-quaternized versions. They allow for additional complexation of iron besides the o-catechol groups present in wood, where the iron complexes the phosphate ions and allowing for their removal. Quaternization also provides positive charges that attract the phosphate anion to the nanocomposite. These nanocomposites have proven that they can remove up to 100% of the phosphorus present in up to 10 mg/L phosphorus solutions with a 48-hour treatment. In 5 mg/L solutions, they have proven 99% removal capacity can be retained even after two regenerations.