Preparation and Characterization of Yttrium-Based Magnetic Adsorbent for Arsenic Removal

In this study, the adsorption behavior of a Y-magnetic adsorbent (developed by a co-precipitation technology) is systematically investigated. Studies have indicated that better adsorption can be obtained at lower pH and the optimum pH is around 4. The maximum adsorption of As (III) and As (V) were found to be as high as 84.22 mg-As/g and 170.48 mg-As/g respectively at pH 7, which is much higher than many reported adsorbents. Adsorption equilibrium for As (III) and As (V) could be reached within 12 hours and 24 hours respectively. Compared with other co-existing substances such as carbonate, sulfate and fluoride, phosphate ions were found to have significant impact on the adsorption of arsenic.