Effective removal of lead(II) migrated from kitchen faucets using multi-slice feathery γ-alumina

Abstract

Abstract In this study, γ-Al2O3 was synthesized using a hydrothermal method and its morphology and chemical composition was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The TEM images, EDX and XRD spectrum highlight good crystallization and multi-slice feathery microstructure, involving relatively pure crystal sintering. The Pb(II) concentration analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after centrifuging is linked to the γ-Al2O3 adsorption, and a removal method for Pb(II) from water passing through kitchen faucets is proposed. The Pb(II) value below 0.06 mg g−1 relative to the γ-Al2O3 value reveals 94% adsorption. Further assessment of the alumina separation effect for faucets shows Pb(II) precipitation from the downstream of the valve spool is below 0.16 μg L−1. About 0.12 g adsorbent is mixed with 1.0 L tap water to produce a suspension for effective soaking. The proposed method produced satisfactory results, providing a theoretical basis for authorities to exploit on heavy metal removal from kitchen faucets.