Fluoride removal using activated red mud

Abstract

Groundwater contamination with fluoride is a cause of concern worldwide. This study was aimed to explore the feasibility of activated red mud (ARM) for adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solutions. The morphology of the adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscope and elemental composition was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence. Parameters such as pH and adsorbent dose were optimized to achieve maximum removal efficiency. Maximum removal efficiency of 96% was obtained at pH 7 with an adsorbent dose of 20 g/L. The isotherm and kinetic studies revealed that Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models best explained the adsorption process. The study established that ARM could be an environment-friendly and efficient adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from water. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.