Removal of Fe3+ from Aqueous Solution by Natural Apatite

Abstract

The feasibility of natural apatite for adsorptive removal of Fe3+ from aqueous solution was investigated. Batch experiments were performed as function of process parameters such as contact time, initial concentration of Fe3+, temperature, apatite dosage and pH. The natural apatite exhibited a high performance for the removal of Fe3+ from aqueous solution. The pH value clearly affects the removal mechanism of Fe3+ by natural apatite. At low pH value, dissolution/precipitation is the main effect. The effect of hydrolyzation increased with the pH value. After the pH value above 5.0, hydrolyzation is the main effect. The adsorption isotherms demonstrated that the adsorbent behaved in a favorable manner for Fe3+ adsorption. The experimental data were well fitted with Langmuir isotherm.