Removal of Chromium, Copper, and Arsenic from Contaminated Water Using Manganese Oxide Based Adsorbents

Chromium, copper and arsenic are leached through soils which are exposed to chromated copper arsenate, a major wood preserving agent. The removal of chromium, copper and arsenic from natural waters down to environmentally acceptable levels is required because of the toxicity of these contaminant species. In this study, the removal of chromium, copper and arsenic from water is investigated using manganese oxide based sorbents. The adsorption of chromium, copper, and arsenic from water using manganese oxide sorbents was evaluated as function of sorbent dosage and time. All manganese oxide sorbents removed appreciable amounts of chromium, copper and arsenic from water within an hour. The manganese coated sand (MCS) may be a sustainable and practical sorbent based on the effective removal of chromium, copper and arsenic from groundwater, and the rapid uptake of the contaminants by the sorbents.