Crustacean Versus Mammalian Derived Calcium Phosphates for Water Treatment

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.