Adsorptive filtration of As(III) from drinking water by CuFe₂O₄ particles embedded in carbon nanotube membranes

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND For effective removal of arsenite [As(III)] from drinking water, copper ferrite (CuFe 2 O 4 ) particles were prepared by using a hydrothermal method and incorporated into layered carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes. The prepared composite membranes were used in the filtration of As(III) under conditions representative of drinking water treatment. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the CNT membrane successfully immobilized CuFe 2 O 4 particles and prevented their release into the filtered water. Moreover, the composite membrane consistently removed >90% of As(III) under various solution chemical conditions. Besides, the CuFe 2 O 4 /CNT membrane was readily regenerated with 0.001 mol L –1 NaOH solution, allowing repeated and sustained use of the membrane for As(III) removal. However, the presence of phosphate or high concentration of natural organic matter (NOM) suppressed arsenic (As) removal, which necessitates consideration of feedwater properties in the application of the composite membrane. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a facile method for the integration of CuFe 2 O 4 particles with a membrane filtration technique for efficient As decontamination. The novel composite membranes have a promising potential for As(III) removal from drinking water. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry