Preparation and characterization of ferric-impregnated granular ceramics (FGCs) for phosphorus removal from aqueous solution

In the present study, the ferric-impregnated granular ceramic (FGC) adsorbents were developed for the removal of phosphorus from aqueous solution. BET, SEM, and EDS were used to characterize the physical and chemical attributes (particle size, pore size and distribution, surface roughness, and chemical composition) of FGCs. Phosphorus adsorption characteristics were studied in a static batch system with respect to changes in contact time, initial phosphorus concentration, pH of solution, and temperature. The adsorption process was observed to follow a pseudo-first-order kinetic model, taking about 36 h to attain equilibrium. Phosphorus adsorption was found to be pH dependent and the maximum removal was obtained at pH 7.0-9.0. The experimental data denoted that the Langmuir isotherm model gave a more satisfactory fit for phosphorus removal than the Freundlich isotherm model. Results suggested that the novel adsorbent of FGCs had a good potential in remediation of phosphorus removal in aqueous solutions.