Synthesis of nanostructured copper oxide loaded boehmite (CuO_Boehmite) for adsorptive removal of As(III/V) from aqueous solution

[Display omitted] Arsenic contamination of groundwater is of great concern as its consumption induces major health problems in human body. Thus, development of effective material for the removal of total arsenic from aqueous solution is of utmost importance. In this study, we report the synergistic effect of CuO nanoparticles and boehmite as an absorbent material (CuO_Boehmite) towards remediation of arsenic-contaminated water. The material was synthesized by ultra-sonication aided hydrothermal technique. The material can work effectively in competitive ground water conditions and exhibits maximum adsorption capacity of 79.05 mg g−1 and 97.35 mg g−1 for As(III) and As(V) respectively. XPS and FTIR results reveal the arsenic removal mechanism of the adsorbent where ligand exchange reaction and oxidation process primarily dominate the removal process. Pseudo second order kinetic model and D-R isotherm model best describe the arsenic adsorption process. In reuse experiment, more than 84 % of As(III/V) removal efficiency was achieved even after 5th cycle of operation which suggests that the material can be used for a long time before getting exhausted. Moreover, the case study done with arsenic contaminated groundwater samples reveals exceptional arsenic removal properties of adsorbent where final arsenic concentration of the solutions is found to be below the WHO recommended limit.