Fluoride removal from wastewater and potential for resource recovery: Comparative studies between different treatment technologies

Abstract

Water sources contaminated with fluoride provide a serious health hazard to people all over the world. The major sources of this fluoride pollution are modern industrial processes such as semiconductor manufacturing, steel making, glass industry, etc. which relied upon fluorine-based chemicals. This review paper highlights the advantages, drawbacks, methods, and efficiency of the several methods used to remove fluoride from water such as coagulation, electrocoagulation, ion exchange resin, adsorption, fluidized bed crystallization, membrane-based procedures (including nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis and pervaporation). Each technique is assessed according to its cost-effectiveness, operational complexity, removal efficiency, and applicability for various scales of water treatment application. Furthermore, included in the study are important aspects affecting the choice of fluoride removal technology, such as sustainability concerns, regulatory compliance, and water quality. In addition, current developments and developing patterns in fluoride elimination technologies are examined to offer perspectives on future avenues for investigation. By combining the body of current knowledge, this study attempts to educate decision-makers, researchers, and practitioners in the area of water treatment on the most recent advancements and best practices for reducing fluoride contamination in water sources.