Adsorption of arsenic (V) from aqueous solution using modified saxaul ash: isotherm and thermodynamic study

Recently, arsenic-contaminated water has become a big concern. Therefore, the present study aimed to absorb arsenic from the aqueous solution using modified saxaul tree ash. Arsenic adsorption process was performed in vitro by investigating the effect of various parameters such as pH, contact time, arsenic concentrations, temperature and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption efficiency. Isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies were also conducted to better understand the process of adsorption. Maximum level of arsenic adsorption was obtained at a pH of 7, adsorbent dosage of 1.5g/L, contact time of 60min, initial arsenic concentration of 250 mu g/l and temperature of 323K. The amount of adsorbed arsenic was increased with increasing initial concentration of arsenic and temperature. Freundlich adsorption isotherm clearly described the arsenic adsorption by modified saxaul ash. Based on the results obtained, it could be concluded that the modified saxaul ash can efficiently remove arsenic from its aqueous solutions.