Surface Complexation Modeling of the Removal of Arsenic from Ion-Exchange Waste Brines with Ferric Chloride

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-15-2011

Publication Title

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Volume

188

Issue

1-3

First page number:

399

Last page number:

407

Abstract

Brine disposal is a serious challenge of arsenic (V) removal from drinking water using ion-exchange (IX). Although arsenic removal with ferric chloride (FeCl3) from drinking waters is well documented, the application of FeCl3 to remove arsenic (V) from brines has not been thoroughly investigated. In contrast to drinking water, IX brines contain high ionic strength, high alkalinity, and high arsenic concentrations; these factors are known to influence arsenic removal by FeCl3.

Surface complexation modeling and experimental coagulation tests were performed to investigate the influence of ionic strength, pH, Fe/As molar ratios, and alkalinity on the removal of arsenic from IX brines. The model prediction was in good agreement with the experimental data. Optimum pH range was found to be between 4.5 and 6.5. The arsenic removal efficiency slightly improved with higher ionic strength. The Fe/As ratios needed to treat brines were significantly lower than those used to treat drinking waters. For arsenic (V) concentrations typical in IX brines, Fe/As molar ratios varying from 1.3 to 1.7 were needed. Sludge solid concentrations varying from 2 to 18 mg L−1 were found. The results of this research have direct application to the treatment of residual wastes brines containing arsenic.

Keywords

Arsenic removal; Brines; Drinking water; Drinking water—Purification; Ferric chloride; Ion exchange; Surface complexation; Water; Water—Purification; Water--Purification--Arsenic removal; Water--Purification--Coagulation

Disciplines

Civil and Environmental Engineering | Engineering | Environmental Engineering | Environmental Sciences | Materials Science and Engineering | Water Resource Management

Language

English

Permissions

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