Bone char with antibacterial properties for fluoride removal: Preparation, characterization and water treatment

In the present work, it was established a new method for the preparation of bone chars with a double purpose, i.e., the removal of fluoride from water and the antibacterial character. These adsorbents were obtained by doping a commercial bone char with Ag using different reagents. The optimal conditions for the enrichment with silver were established by following the Taguchi method and using as response variable the removal of fluoride from water. Optimal bone chars were thus prepared and they were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM/EDX analysis, adsorption isotherms of N₂ at -196 °C and X-ray diffraction. All adsorbents were used in the removal of fluoride from water and the antibacterial character was assessed using the technique of total viable count employing standard solutions of Escherichia coli and drinking water. Results clearly indicated that doping of bone chars with silver provides with suitable antibacterial properties, however the fluoride adsorption capacity was not affected by the presence of Ag° on the carbon surface.