(242c) Efficient Removal of Both Arsenic and Fluoride By Lanthanum Modified Carbon Nanoparticles

In this study, a novel lanthanum modified carbon nanoparticle was prepared and applied in the removal of both arsenic and fluoride. Electron microscopic investigation showed that the prepared carbon particles were around 50-70 nm in diameter. The adsorbent showed good adsorption efficiency of both arsenic and fluoride in a wide range of solution pH. In the kinetic study, it was observed that the adsorption process was fast and around 90% of its final adsorption was achieved within the first 10 min. The Langmuir equation well described the adsorption isotherm. At the optimal pH, adsorption capacities of arsenic and fluoride were around 102mg/g and 122mg/g, respectively. The ionic strength had a slight influence on the arsenic and fluoride removal. The effect of common existing anions such as PO₄^3- HCO₃^- SO₄^2- and SiO₃^2- and humic acid on the adsorption process was investigated in detail. From this investigation it was concluded that the La-immobilized carbon nanoparticle showed the fast removal of toxic arsenate and fluoride from water with very high adsorption efficiency which is beneficial to its application in the water treatment.