Effect of Oxalic Acid on the Adsorption of Fluoride by Phosphate Rock from Aqueous Solution

The defluoridation capacity of phosphate rock in the presence of oxalic acid was investigated using batch experiments. Defluoridation capacity of phosphate rock was enhanced in the presence of oxalic acid, removing fluoride from 22.46% up to 57.98% with 2.5 mmol/L oxalic acid. The contact time and pH for maximum fluoride uptake were found 2 h and 5, respectively. Maximum adsorption capacity (0.36 mg/g) of fluoride on phosphate rock was observed at 50 mg/L initial fluoride concentration using 2 g adsorbent dose.