Efficacy of surface treated agro waste for nitrate and phosphate removal in wastewater

Many adsorbents have been used for the removal of anions such as nitrate and phosphate. However, their availability, variation in their composition, and low adsorption ability have limited their usability. Hence, there is a need for new and readily obtainable adsorbents for the recovery of nitrate and phosphate. In the present investigation, we focused on the removal of nitrate and phosphate using modified palm fruit husks, which are available in many tropical countries such as India. The exterior was updated by employing a surface activation group, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) which enhanced the uptake efficiency of anions such as nitrate and phosphate. The nitrate and phosphate uptake reached a maximum at pH 4.0 and 2.0, respectively. The Langmuir and Dubinin Radushkevich isotherms are well suited to the experimental uptake equilibrium details. Desorption investigation showed that the adsorbed nitrate and phosphate can be gradually discharged under various pH atmospheres. Coexisting negatively charged ions, such as Cl-, SO4 2-, CO3 2- and PO4 3- interfere with the adsorption of anions. The column leaching test indicated that nitrate and phosphate discharge was prolonged, and it is feasible to use nitrate and phosphate-loaded SAPFH as a control-release fertilizer.