Adsorption of arsenate from water using neutralized red mud

The potential for using seawater-neutralized red mud (Bauxsol), a waste from aluminum manufacturing, as an adsorbent for removing As(V) (arsenate) from water is studied. Herein, adsorption characteristics are investigated and it is shown that adsorption follows the Langmuir model, with the adsorption constants indicating the feasibility of the process. Furthermore, the adsorption is found to increase with decreasing pH (i.e., ligand-like adsorption), higher adsorbent dosages, and lower initial arsenate concentrations. The effects of ions are also tested and it is shown that the adsorption of arsenate decreases in the presence of HCO^-₃, while Cl^- has little effect, and Ca²⁺ increases the adsorption. Water quality assessment after treatment with Bauxsol indicates that none of the trace elements tested are released from the adsorbent. A TCLP leaching test also reveals that the used adsorbent is not toxic. It is foreseen that Bauxsol may be developed into an efficient low-cost adsorbent for (pre-) treating arsenate contaminated waters.