Comparing and Optimizing Nitrate Adsorption from Aqueous Solution Using Fe/Pt Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Anion Exchange Resins

Abstract

This research work was carried out for the removal of nitrate from raw water for a drinking water supply. Nitrate is a widespread ground water contaminant. Methodology employed in this study included adsorption on metal based nanoparticles and ion exchange using anionic resins. Fe/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared in the laboratory, by the reduction of their respective salts using sodium borohydride. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectrometry, and X-ray florescence techniques were utilized for characterization of bimetallic Fe/Pt nanoparticles. Optimum dose, pH, temperature, and contact time were determined for NO 3 − removal through batch tests, both for metal based nanoparticles and anionic exchange resin. Adsorption data fitted well the Langmuir isotherm and conformed to the pseudofirst-order kinetic model. Results indicated 97% reduction in nitrate by 0.25 mg/L of Fe/Pt nanoparticles at pH 7 and 83% reduction in nitrate was observed using 0.50 mg/L anionic exchange resins at pH 4 and contact time of one hour. Overall, Fe/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles demonstrated greater NO 3 − removal efficiency due to the small particle size, extremely large surface area (627 m 2 /g), and high adsorption capacity.

Adsorption Study for the Removal of Nitrate from Water Using Local Clay

“…World Health Organization (WHO) recommended concentration limit in the drinking water as to not exceed 50 mg/L [4]. Therefore, numerous techniques for the removal of nitrates from water including adsorption, ion exchange, biological denitrification, chemical denitrification, electrodialysis and reverse osmosis, etc... [5]. Meanwhile, the adsorption is considered the most simple and efficient method [6, 7].…”

Synthesis of Fe/Ni Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Application to the Catalytic Removal of Nitrates from Water

“…The effect of Fe/Ni dosages on nitrate degradation at the initial nitrate concentration of 300 mg L −1 is shown in Figure 4. Such a nitrate concentration was substantially higher than those tested in previous studies, where a lower amount of nitrates was treated [8,27,33].…”

“…In order to improve nitrate removal, various bimetallic nanoparticles were tested in batch studies. The removal efficiency of Fe/Pt bimetallic nanoparticles at pH 4–10 was between 83% and 92% after 60 min at an initial nitrate concentration of 200 mg L −1 [27]. After 20 min of reaction, an almost quantitative nitrate removal was also obtained using Fe/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles [14].…”

Modified-Nano-Adsorbents for Nitrate Efficient Removal: A Review

“…In recent days, development of membrane incorporated with nanomaterials have been receiving considerable interest due to its high efficient operation. Previous membrane application via RO demonstrated that nitrate and other ions are rejected because of larger size than the membrane pore size [56]. Fabrication of nanocomposite membrane serves as an alternative to address current limitations and enhance the performance of membranes in nitrate decontamination.…”