Recent advances in developing innovative sorbents for phosphorus removal-perspective and opportunities
Nautam Parasana1, Manan Shah1, Ashish Unnarkat2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Raisan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|March 19, 2022
Summary
Phosphorus removal from waterways is crucial to prevent eutrophication. Adsorption using novel materials offers a sustainable solution, with potential for spent adsorbents to benefit agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Phosphorus is vital for plant growth but its excess in waterways, originating from domestic, agricultural, and industrial sources, causes eutrophication.
- Eutrophication degrades aquatic habitats and harms plant and animal life, necessitating effective phosphate elimination strategies.
- Runoff from agricultural lands is a primary pathway for phosphate entering water bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comparative assessment of novel materials and techniques for phosphorus removal from water.
- To discuss the behavior, mechanisms, and capacity of various adsorbents for phosphate removal.
- To highlight the potential for spent adsorbents to be repurposed as agricultural soil conditioners and plant food.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of existing literature on phosphorus removal techniques.
- Categorization and detailed discussion of adsorbents including iron-based, silica-alumina-based, calcium-based, and biochar-based materials.
- Analysis of adsorption mechanisms and material capacities.
Main Results:
- Adsorption is identified as a sustainable and effective method for phosphate removal compared to ion exchange, precipitation, and crystallization.
- Various adsorbents, particularly those incorporating metals and metal oxides, demonstrate significant potential for phosphorus capture.
- The review details the performance characteristics of different adsorbent classes.
Conclusions:
- Adsorption presents a promising avenue for sustainable phosphorus management in aquatic ecosystems.
- Future research should focus on optimizing adsorbent performance and exploring the dual-use potential of spent adsorbents in agriculture.
- Addressing challenges and directing future research are key to advancing phosphorus removal technologies.
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