Synthesis, characterization and application of iron (III) - loaded duoilite C26 adsorbent for arsenic removal

Iron(III) was loaded onto the sulphonic acid sites of Duolite C26, a commercial cation-exchanger, and was then converted into hydrated ferric oxides (HFO) disbursed throughout the macropores of the ion exchanger beads. The resulting hydrated iron(III)-oxide loaded cation exchange resin (HFOLR) was tested for its ability to remove arsenate [As(V)] ions present in water by batch technology. The surface area and the pore size distribution of HFOLR were determined. Techniques like FTIR, SEM, XRD, and EDAX were utilized to describe the sorbent properties as well as adsorption mechanisms of As(V) ions. Maximum removal of arsenate (>99.0 %) onto HFOLR occurred at a solution pH range of 3.0–4.0. Isotherm studies revealed correlation with respect to Langmuir equation. Simulated groundwater samples were treated by HFOLR to demonstrate its efficiency in removing As(V) ions.