Preparing of novel fibrous ligand exchange adsorbent for rapid column-mode trace phosphate removal from water

We developed a potentially high-performance adsorbent for sustainable treatment of soluble inorganic trace phosphate from water by zirconium(IV) loaded bifunctional fibers. In the presence of common Cl− and SO42−, phosphate adsorption was not adversely affected but slightly enhanced due to co-ion and Donnan invasion mechanism. Trace phosphorus (0.0143 mM) was also removed in presence of relatively high amounts of competing anions at high feed flow rate (850 h−1). In competitive arsenate and phosphate adsorption, this novel adsorbent slightly preferred phosphate to arsenate. The adsorbent is reversible and keeps remaining functionality to further reuse in many cycles.