Human activity namely mining and overfertilization have resulted in elevated levels of toxic pollutants in developing regions of the world. These regions require a straightforward, low-cost means for purification of drinking waters. Nanocrystalline iron oxides including ferrihydrite (Fh) and magnetite (Mt) have been heavily investigated due to their high surface area and role in controlling bioavailability of environmental contaminants. Unfortunately, compaction of sediments and harm to aquatic microorganisms can occur when using loose powders. To avoid this, we suggest the use of lignocellulose matrices functionalized with nanocrystalline iron oxides as low-cost, readily available filtration units targeting the rapid removal and immobilization of arsenic (As). The rigid 3D hierarchal structure of lignocellulose matrices provides an ideal scaffold due to their biocompatibility and degree of void space available to mineralize. In this study, lignocellulose filters were mineralized with two different iron oxides, Fh and Mt. Waters samples containing known As concentrations were passed through filters and tested for the remediation of As. Eluents were collected and analyzed using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES). The mineralized filters themselves were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to visualize distribution of the mineral phase and the absorbed contaminant. Preliminary results showed that these filters reduced arsenic levels by approximately 50-80% through adsorption to the mineral phase within the bioscaffold.

Functionalized lignocellulose scaffolds for filtration and removal of aqueous arsenic

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ACS Fall 2022

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