Mechanism of nitrogen removal from aqueous solutions using natural scoria

Abstract

The efficiencies and mechanisms of nitrogen removal from groundwater by scoria were studied. When NH4+-N concentration was 0.5-10 mg/L, the removal was 96-89%. When NO2--N concentrationwas 0.1-5mg/L, the removalwas 93-85%.WhenNO3--Nconcentrationwas 30-150mg/L, the removal was 85-70%. Additionally, van der Waals forces had a positive impact on the adsorption, which promoted NH4+-N adsorption. Ion exchange and dissolution did not exist. Functional groups of N-H, C-H, and C-N changed after adsorption. Overall, this study indicates that scoria is an ecologically friendly and safe material that can be utilized for groundwater purification to treat nitrogen-contaminated water.