Simultaneous adsorption of As(III) and Cd(II) by ferrihydrite-modified biochar in aqueous solution and their mutual effects

A simply synthetic ferrihydrite-modified biochar (Fh@BC) was applied to simultaneously remove As(III) and Cd(II) from the aqueous solution, and then to explore the mutual effects between As(III) and Cd(II) and the corresponding mechanisms. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities of As(III) and Cd(II) in the single adsorbate solution were 18.38 and 18.18 mg g(-1), respectively. It demonstrated that Fh@BC was a potential absorbent material for simultaneous removal of As(III) and Cd(II) in aqueous solution. According to the XRF, SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD, and XPS analysis, the mechanisms of simultaneous removal of As(III) and Cd(II) by Fh@BC could be attributable to the cation exchange, complexation with R-OH and Fe-OH, and oxidation. Moreover, the mutual effect experiment indicated that Cd(II) and As(III) adsorption on Fh@BC in the binary solution exhibited competition, facilitation and synergy, depending on their ratios and added sequences. The mechanisms of facilitation and synergy between Cd(II) and As(III) might include the electrostatic interaction and the formation of both type A or type B ternary surface complexes on the Fh@BC.

Automated summary

A simply synthetic ferrihydrite-modified biochar (Fh@BC) was used to simultaneously remove As(III) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution, and the mutual effects and corresponding mechanisms were explored. The results showed that Fh@BC had high adsorption capacities for both As(III) and Cd(II). The mechanisms of simultaneous removal involved cation exchange, complexation, and oxidation. Mutual effect experiments revealed competition, facilitation, and synergy between Cd(II) and As(III) adsorption on Fh@BC.