Preparing of novel fibrous ligand exchange adsorbent for rapid column-mode trace phosphate removal from water

We developed a potentially high-performance adsorbent for sustainable treatment of soluble inorganic trace phosphate from water by zirconium(IV) loaded bifunctional fibers. In the presence of common Cl- and SO42-, phosphate adsorption was not adversely affected but slightly enhanced due to co-ion and Donnan invasion mechanism. Trace phosphorus (0.0143 mM) was also removed in presence of relatively high amounts of competing anions at high feed flow rate (850 h(-1)). In competitive arsenate and phosphate adsorption, this novel adsorbent slightly preferred phosphate to arsenate. The adsorbent is reversible and keeps remaining functionality to further reuse in many cycles. (C) 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.