As(III) Removal from Aqueous Solution Using a-Fe2O3-impregnated Chitosan Beads

A novel, bio-based sorbent for As(III), α-Fe
₂
O
₃
-impregnated chitosan beads (FICB), has been successfully synthesized and tested. Batch wise adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the adsorption conditions, reusability as well as the effect of ionic strength and coexistence of other ions. The results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity of FICB for As(III) was 4.46 mg/g at pH 5.0 and 20°C with equilibrium adsorption time 8 h. The ionic strength and coexistence of other ions had no significantly effect on the adsorption of FICB. It was also revealed that FICB could be reused for at least 6 times with only 7% regeneration loss. This suggests that FICB is a very promising adsorbent for the removal of As(III) from aqueous solution.