Due to human development and industrialization, the available water supply is becoming contaminated by toxic materials, such as arsenic, and a cheap, simple water filtration device is much needed particularly in developing countries. The objective of this study was to employ the use of readily available, cellulose-containing, biodegradable waste materials in adsorbing arsenic species from standard aqueous solutions. Specifically, Fe-immobilized sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and jute fibers were studied through time-dependent, pH, and ionic strength experiments. While SCB and jute fibers shared similar percentages of arsenic removal throughout the range of concentrations, SCB exhibited a higher value of q, the arsenic uptake capacity, indicating a greater degree of efficiency with respect to mass. Basic conditions decreased adsorption capacity, while acidic conditions led to mixed results, depending on the species of arsenic in question. The results demonstrate that Fe-immobilized cellulose fibers, particularly SCB, are a feasible method for removing arsenic from water and could potentially be optimized to benefit developing nations. During this summer, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel Southeast Asia on the weekends, which allowed me to see beautiful places, experience exotic cultures, and meet fascinating people throughout the region.

Summer in Singapore: Purifying water and exploring southeast Asia

251st National Meeting (2016)

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