Influence of chitosan on modified nanoscale zero-valent iron for arsenate removal

Abstract

Chitosan-modified nanoscale zero-valent iron (CNZVI) was synthesized for arsenate removal from water. Batch experiments were carried out to examine the influence of weight percent of chitosan loading in the CNZVI, and the initial solution pH including acidic, neutral, and basic conditions. As a result, the arsenate removal rate increased with higher weight percent of chitosan loading, but decreased with higher initial pH. In addition, the efficiencies of CNZVI for arsenate removal did not change significantly for the three investigated pH conditions, when higher percentage of chitosan loading was applied. The results demonstrate that CNZVI has the potential as an effective agent for field arsenic removal.

Keywords:

• Adsorption
• Arsenic removal
• NZVI
• Chitosan

Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge National Science Council, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan and the Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Thailand for the financial support of this research.