Inorganic arsenic, which can contaminate water supplies via runoff from industrial manufacturing and mining processes, is known to cause cancer and death in humans, as well as disruption in biological ecosystems. Several approaches have been used to remove arsenic from water in the laboratory, but most have proved to be inadequate for wide-scale use, and especially for sustainable implementations. Now, researchers at Yale University have developed a novel approach that can remove arsenic from water with high efficacy, and has the potential to be implemented sustainably.
The Zimmerman laboratory developed chitosan beads impregnated with titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide. These beads are used for the removal of heavy toxic metals, like arsenic and selenium, from water. Photo: Harold Shapiro.
Researchers have previously used aluminum oxide and titanium dioxide in nanopowder form to remove two forms of arsenic, arsenite and arsenate, from water. But, says Julie Zimmerman, associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering and forestry and environmental studies, "The use of nanopowders requires post-treatment filtration, which can be energy intensive." Read more
Source : www.rdmag.com
