Performance evaluation and mechanism of Al2O3/TiO2 sorbents for fluoride remediation in groundwater

Excessive fluoride levels in drinking water are problematic in several countries, particularly those which are relatively poor. Thus, there is a need to create cost effective sorbents which can easily be applied to make the water safe to use. Therefore, this study focussed on Al₂O₃/TiO₂ sorbents which appear to address issues with commercially available alumina such as aluminium dissolution. Adjusting the alumina/titania ratio significantly influenced not only the fluoride uptake capacity but also the uptake of a wide range of contaminants found in groundwater. The exchange kinetics were relatively fast regardless of mixed oxide composition with equilibrium obtained within 6 h. Equilibrium isotherms were unfavourable for fluoride removal where titania compositions were dominant. In contrast, favourable isotherms were noted when alumina was the dominant oxide present. Barium, calcium, strontium, boron, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium, lithium, and silica were all substantially removed by varying the alumina/silica ratio in the sorbent. This behaviour may be valuable for broader remediation of dissolved species in groundwater (not just fluoride). Based upon the tests data a 70% Al₂O₃ – 30% TiO₂ material was recommended to be the preferred composition for comprehensive treatment of groundwater. The sorbents appeared to comprise of alumina and titania with surface areas between 129 and 255 m²/g. There was no evidence for new oxide phases nor for a relationship between surface area and performance. Mechanistically both ion exchange and surface complexation may occur when treating groundwater.