Removal of fluoride from water using a novel sorbent lanthanum-impregnated bauxite

A novel sorbent, Lanthanum-Impregnated Bauxite (LIB), was prepared to remove fluoride from water. To understand the surface chemical composition and morphology, LIB was characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Experiments were performed to evaluate the sorption potential, dose of sorbent, kinetics, equilibrium sorption capacity, pH and influence of anions for defluoridation by LIB. Equilibrium isothermal studies were conducted to model the sorption and regeneration studies were carried out to evaluate the reusability of LIB. The results showed that LIB, at a dose of 2 g/L could remove 99 % of fluoride from an initial concentration of 20 mgF/L. Kinetic studies revealed the best fit of pseudo second order model. The sorption followed Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum sorption capacity of LIB for removal of fluoride was found to be 18.18 mg/g. Naturally occurring pH of water was found to be favorable for sorption. Usually occurring anions in water except nitrates influenced sorption of fluoride by LIB.