Characterization of aluminium-based water treatment residual for potential phosphorus removal in engineered wetlands.
Aluminium-based water treatment residual (Al-WTR) is the most widely generated residual from water treatment facilities worldwide. It is regarded as a by-product of no reuse potential and landfilled. This study assessed Al-WTR as potential phosphate-removing substrate in engineered wetlands. Results indicate specific surface area ranged from 28.0 m(2) g(-1) to 41.4 m(2) g(-1). X-ray Diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopes all indicate Al-WTR is mainly composed of amorphous aluminium which influences its phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity. The pH and electrical conductivity ranged from 5.9 to 6.0 and 0.104 dS m(-1) to 0.140 dS m(-1) respectively, showing that it should support plant growth. Batch tests showed adsorption maxima of 31.9 mg P g(-1) and significant P removal was achieved in column tests. Overall, results showed that Al-WTR can be used for P removal in engineered wetlands and it carries the benefits of reuse of a by-product that promotes sustainability.
Babatunde
A O
AO
Centre for Water Resources Research, School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering, Newstead Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. akintunde.babatunde@ucd.ie
Zhao
Y Q
YQ
Burke
A M
AM
Morris
M A
MA
Hanrahan
J P
JP
D000327:Adsorption; D000535:Aluminum / Q000737:chemistry*; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis; D053833:Wetlands
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D010758:Phosphorus; D000535:Aluminum