Unraveling the selectivity of CuO/mR-TiO2 adsorbent for arsenomolybdate complex: A breakthrough in arsenic removal technologies

Arsenic is extremely poisonous element and naturally exists in ground water. It’s accumulation and exposure cause cancer in human body. Therefore, its separation or removal is mandatory for the safety of consumers. Current study emphasized the selectivity of arsenic with CuO/mR-TiO₂ adsorbent. Structural characteristics of CuO/mR-TiO₂ were confirmed via XRD, FT-IR, Raman, SEM, TEM and AFM approaches. Purity, chemical compositions and stability were demonstrated by EDX, XPS and TGA analysis. Arsenic contents were potentially removed in the form of arsenomolybdate complex (AMC) adsorption onto the surfaces of CuO/mR-TiO₂. To the large scale implementation and validity, as prepared adsorbents have been assessed for samples that were collected from Tehsil Haroonabad (risky areas regarding arsenic contamination). To obtain quantitative assessment, presence of arsenic was confirmed with As-Quick^TM Kit (WHO and EPA standard). Primarily, dissolved arsenic was converted into arsenomolybdate complex (AMC) and then removed via adsorption on CuO/mR-TiO₂. Results revealed that CuO/mR-TiO₂ effectively remove arsenic from collected samples with 100% efficiency. Additionally, CuO/mR-TiO₂ is more selective for AMC than bare mR-TiO₂. Based on facts and activities, it has been concluded that current approach holds promise to replace the costly and conventional adsorbents used for arsenic treatment technologies.