Preparing of novel fibrous ligand exchange adsorbent for rapid column-mode trace phosphate removal from water

We developed a potentially high-performance adsorbent for sustainable treatment of soluble inorganic trace phosphate from water by zirconium(IV) loaded bifunctional fibers. In the presence of common Cl- and SO42-, phosphate adsorption was not adversely affected but slightly enhanced due to co-ion and Donnan invasion mechanism. Trace phosphorus (0.0143mM) was also removed in presence of relatively high amounts of competing anions at high feed flow rate (850h-1). In competitive arsenate and phosphate adsorption, this novel adsorbent slightly preferred phosphate to arsenate. The adsorbent is reversible and keeps remaining functionality to further reuse in many cycles. © 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.