Simultaneous Removal of As(III) and Fluoride Ions from Water Using Manganese Oxide Supported on Graphene Nanostructures (GO-MnO2)

Abstract

In the present research, the use of manganese oxides supported on graphene nanostructures (GO-MnO2), which support the synergistic action of adsorption and oxidation, in the combined removal of arsenic and fluoride from drinking water was studied. The simultaneous occurrence of fluoride and arsenic in groundwater is one of the major environmental problems, occurring mainly in anhydrous regions of Latin America and the world. These pollutants cause significant health problems and are difficult to remove simultaneously from drinking water. The structure of GO-MnO2 was characterized by the application of FTIR, EDS and SEM techniques. The effects of the adsorbent’s dosage, the pH value, the contact time and the initial concentrations of As(III) and F ions (F−) were examined with respect to the removal of As(III) and F ions. According to the results, the presence of arsenic enhances fluoride removal with increasing arsenic concentrations, and the presence of fluoride enhances arsenic removal with increasing fluoride concentrations, mainly at a neutral pH value. The co-presence removal efficiencies were 89% (a residual concentration of 1.04 mg/L) for fluoride and about 97% (a residual concentration of 2.89 μg/L) for arsenic.