Fabrication of zirconium(IV) cross-linked alginate/kaolin hybrid beads for nitrate and phosphate retention

The extreme nitrate (NO₃⁻) species in drinking water leads to methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) disease in new born toddlers whereas the excess phosphate (PO₄³⁻) and NO₃⁻ contents lead to the eutrophication (algae growth) problem of water sources. Upto date, the environmental researchers have developing the suitable adsorbent materials for providing NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻ free water system. In present study, a low-cost alginate (Alg) assisted kaolin (KN) (AlgKN) composite beads were prepared and utilized for the removal of NO₃⁻ and PO₄³⁻. To improve the sorption capacity (SC) and stability, Zr⁴⁺ ions were coated onto AlgKN to get Zr@AlgKN composite beads which were prepared via., hydrothermal (Hydro) and in situ precipitation (In situ) methods. The hydro assisted Zr@AlgKN composite beads possess an enhanced SC than the in situ assisted adsorbents. In batch scale, the parameters responsible for the adsorption process such as contact time, co-ions, adsorbent dosage, pH, initial ions concentration and temperature were optimized. The adsorbents were characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET, EDAX and SEM analysis. The adsorption experimental data was fitted with isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic parameters. The regeneration and field applicability study of the Zr@AlgKN composite beads were also investigated.