Thallium (Tl) has drawn wide concern due to its high toxicity even at extremely low concentrations, as well as its tendency for significant accumulation in the human body and other organisms. The need to develop effective strategies for trace Tl removal from drinking water is urgent. We report applicable strategies for the effective removal of trace Tl by conventional processes (i.e., coagulation and sand filtration) enhanced by nMnO2. Data gained in this research indicated that the addition of nMnO2 could significantly increase trace Tl(I) and Tl(III) removal by the adsorption of Tl onto nMnO2 colloids, which were settled down in coagulation process or attached on sand surface during quartz sand filtration. High concentrations of HA, which notably complexes with and dissolves nMnO2, resulted in higher residual Tl(I) and Tl(III). Tl(III)-HA complexes might also enhance Tl(III) release to a certain extent. Additionally, a higher pH level could enhance the removal of trace Tl from surface water. The knowledge obtained here may provide a potential strategy for drinking water treatment plants threatened by trace Tl.

Effective removal of trace Tl from drinking water by conventional processes enhanced by nMnO2

255th National Meeting (2018)

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