Economic justification and eco-friendly approach for regeneration of spent activated alumina for arsenic contaminated groundwater treatment

TLDR: In this article, a study has been made on regeneration of activated alumina (AA) and its use in treatment of arsenic contaminated groundwater, since this concentration is optimal upon considering the minimal dissolution of activated AA granules.

Abstract: In this work, a study has been made on regeneration of activated alumina (AA) and its use in treatment of arsenic contaminated groundwater. We have used 2% NaOH solution for regeneration, since this concentration is optimal upon considering the minimal dissolution of activated alumina granules. We have also studied the effect of pH on activated alumina and found that pH > 11.5 is required for arsenic desorption. This technique is cost effective (INR 15 or USD 0.34 approximately per family of 4 people per month) and is capable of treating even 10,000 bed volume of contaminated water with regenerated AA. It is effective even when the predominant species of arsenic in the ground water is As(III). The present study, made during 2004–2007, justifies reduction of pollution load and minimizing financial burden in using regenerated AA at community level arsenic removal unit (ARU).