Fluoride removal by Fe(III)-loaded ligand exchange cotton cellulose adsorbent from drinking water

A novel bead adsorbent, Fe(III)-loaded ligand exchange cotton cellulose adsorbent [Fe(III)LECCA], was prepared, for fluoride removal from drinking water. The influence of pH, reaction time, temperature, foreign ions, flow rate, and regeneration were determined in batch and column systems. Adsorption–desorption–readsorption results indicated that Fe(III)LECCA has the potential to act as an adsorbent for the removal of fluoride because of its adsorption capacity and mechanical stability. The adsorption mechanism of fluoride removal was elucidated clearly by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectrum and chemical analysis. The results showed that Fe(III)LECCA would be a cost-effective and environmental benign adsorbent for fluoride removal from drinking water.