Abstract:
Bone char (a biogenic hydroxyapatite) is the adsorbent of choice for defluoridation of
water in many regions of Africa. Studies have shown that its efficiency decreases
significantly as the concentration of F- rise above 10 mg/L. Many researchers have thus
investigated alternatives sources of calcium and formulations of calcium phosphate
system for F- treatment. This paper presents a study of the performance of crustacean
derived adsorbents in the natural environment of fluoride polluted waters. Crab shell
derived adsorbent showed outstanding selectivity for fluoride even in water with high
total dissolved solutes and pH. The adsorbent also removed color in tinted waters.
