Peat as Sorbent for the Removal of Phosphate Ions from Aqueous Solution

Authors:
Artis Robalds, Liga Dreijalte, Maris Klavins

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
modification, peat, phosphate, removal, sorption

Documentfile:
Robalds 2012: Peat as Sorbent for the Removal of Phosphate Ions from Aqueous Solution

Summary:

Theme IV. Chemical, physical and biological characteristics of peat

SUMMARY

Phosphorus pollution from point and nonpoint sources is a serious problem in many European countries and is causing eutrophication in freshwater and marine ecosystems. In this study, peat modified with iron compounds has been used as sorbent for the removal of phosphate ions from water. The maximum sorption capacity of modified peat reached 9.92 mg/g at initial phosphate concentration of 500 mg/l. Sorption capacity was found to be pH dependent, and maximum uptake occurred at pH 2. Kinetic data revealed that sorption was relatively rapid – 57 % of phosphate had been sorbed in the first 15 minutes. Results indicate that modified peat could be used as an effective sorbent to bind phosphate ions from aqueous solutions.