Use of Aralu (Ailanthus exelsa) stem charcoal for defluoridation of drinking water

Excessive intake of fluoride (F), mainly through drinking water, is a serious health hazard.  Endemic fluorosis is found in at least 20 states of India, affecting more than 65 million of mainly under privileged people including 6 million children. Fluoride ion concentrations in India’s groundwater vary widely, ranging from 0.01 mg/L to 48 mg/L. Defluoridation of ground water and supply of safe drinking water is the only immediate solution to this problem. There are several methods used for the defluoridation of drinking water, of which adsorption processes are generally found attractive because of their effectiveness, ease of operation, simplicity of design, and for economic and environmental reasons. The present investigation is an attempt towards a cost effective feasible solution for defluoridation of drinking water by using Ailanthus exelsa as absorbent. The adsorption capacity of Ailanthus exelsa stem charcoal has been evaluated. Adsorption studies for defluoridation on Ailanthus exelsa charcoal powder showed that the adsorbent were highly influenced by temperature, pH of water and initial fluoride concentration.