Biosorption of fluorides using chitosan based sorbents

Biosorption has been recognized as an effective method of reduction of fluoride contamination in surface water and aqueous solutions. Biosorption can be defined as the removal of fluorides, metals, compounds and particulates from solution by biological material. Biosorption of fluorides from aqueous solutions is a relatively new technology for the treatment of wastewater. In the present study, the fluoride removal potential of calcium alginate (CA), chitosan coated calcium alginate (CCCA), chitosan coated perlite (CCP), chitosan coated silica (CCS), perchloric acid cross linked calcium alginate (PCA) and glutaraldehyde cross linked calcium alginate (GCA) beads is investigated by both batch and column studies. Further the biosorbents are characterized by FTIR, SEM, TGA, XRD, porosity and surface analysis to understand the mode of fluoride-biomass interaction. The basic objective of the study is to contribute to the understanding and modeling of the equilibrium adsorption process.