Phosphate removal from wastewater in batch system using waste mussel shell

Abstract

High input of phosphate (PO43–) in rivers can lead to eutrophication, which jeopardizes aquatic life and human health. In this study, PO43– was removed from synthetic solution and domestic wastewater treatment plant effluent (DWTPE) by waste mussel shell (WMS). The PO4 3– adsorption by WMS was examined for the initial PO4 3– concentration (7 mg L-1), solution volume (0.2 L), adsorbent dosage (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 g), and contact time (1-6 d). The batch experiment's optimum performance could reach approximately 75.1% for the removal of PO4 3– from synthetic solution and approximately 66.2% for the removal of PO43– from DWTPE after a contact time of 5 d. This work suggests that the WMS can remove PO43 from both synthetic solution and DWTPE. Future works are necessary to increase WMS's capacity to adsorb PO4 3– from waters, either by physical or chemical modification.