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Published on: November 19, 2018
Adsorption of fluoride from water by surface-functionalized polyurethane foam
R J Krupadam1, M S Khan, S Das
1Environmental Impact & Risk Assessment Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India. rj_krupadam@neeri.res.in
Summary
Surface-functionalized polyurethane foam (SPUF) offers high potential for removing fluoride from drinking water. This effective adsorbent is easily regenerated, making it a promising solution for water defluoridation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Fluoride contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks.
- Effective and economical adsorbents are needed for water defluoridation.
- Polyurethane foam (PUF) is a versatile material for surface functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the defluoridation efficiency of surface-functionalized polyurethane foam (SPUF).
- To investigate the adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and pH influence on fluoride removal by SPUF.
- To assess the reusability and compare SPUF with other conventional adsorbents.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized and characterized surface-functionalized polyurethane foam (SPUF).
- Conducted kinetic and isotherm adsorption experiments for fluoride removal.
- Investigated the effect of solution pH on adsorption capacity.
- Evaluated the regeneration efficiency of SPUF using NaOH or Ca(OH)₂.
Main Results:
- SPUF demonstrated a high fluoride adsorption capacity of 7.8 mg g⁻¹.
- Adsorption was rapid, reaching equilibrium within 60 minutes.
- The Bradley equation best described the adsorption isotherm.
- Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 6.7, with stable performance in the 5.8–8.2 pH range.
- SPUF exhibited excellent reusability through simple pH alteration.
Conclusions:
- SPUF is a highly effective and regenerable adsorbent for removing fluoride from drinking water.
- Its high adsorption capacity and ease of use make it suitable for both batch and continuous systems.
- SPUF presents a promising, cost-effective alternative to existing water defluoridation methods.
