Phosphorus removal from aqueous solution using a novel granular material developed from building waste
Shengjiong Yang1, Pengkang Jin2, Xiaochang C Wang2
1School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China E-mail: yangshengjiong@163.com; State Key Laboratory of Architecture and Technology in Western China (XAUAT), No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710055, China.
Summary
A novel granular material from building waste effectively removes phosphate from wastewater via chemical precipitation. This eco-friendly material shows significant phosphate binding capacity and potential for water treatment applications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Phosphorus pollution in wastewater poses significant environmental risks.
- Effective phosphate removal technologies are crucial for water remediation.
- Building waste utilization offers sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel granular material (GM) derived from building waste for phosphate removal from wastewater.
- To investigate the removal mechanism, kinetics, and influencing factors of phosphate precipitation.
- To characterize the material and its precipitates for potential water treatment applications.
Main Methods:
- Batch experiments were conducted to assess phosphate removal capacity.
- Chemical precipitation was identified as the primary removal mechanism.
- Kinetics of precipitation and Ca2+ liberation were analyzed using a pseudo-second-order model.
- Effects of material dosage and pH on phosphate removal were investigated.
Main Results:
- The granular material demonstrated a maximum phosphate precipitation capacity of 0.51 ± 0.06 mg g⁻¹.
- Calcium (Ca2+) liberation capacity reached 6.79 ± 0.77 mg g⁻¹.
- Phosphate removal and Ca2+ liberation processes reached equilibrium within 60 minutes.
- Phosphate removal was significantly influenced by extreme pH conditions (pH <4 and pH >10).
- Precipitates were identified as hydroxyapatite and brushite.
Conclusions:
- The granular material developed from building waste is a promising adsorbent for phosphate removal.
- The chemical precipitation process is effective and follows pseudo-second-order kinetics.
- The material's performance is pH-dependent, with optimal removal under moderate conditions.
- This approach offers a sustainable method for wastewater treatment and waste valorization.
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