SYNTHESIS OF NANOCHITOSAN FOR THE REMOVAL OF FLUORIDE FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS: A STUDY OF ISOTHERMS, KINETICS, AND THERMODYNAMICS

Background: Fluorine can be a harmful element for human health. High concentrations of the fluoride ion (F) are poisonous and can damage the endocrine glands, thyroid, and liver. It can also hinder human growth, decrease intelligence, and cause digestive problems and fluorosis. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nanochitosan for the removal of F from the aquatic environment. Method: The effects of various parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of F, temperature, and contact time on the removal of F were examined in a batch system. Results: The maximum adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles (9 mg F/g nanochitosan) occurred with pH=3, adsorbent dosage=0.25 g/L, and F concentration=20 mg/L. The adsorption process for the removal of F by nanochitosan was an exothermic reaction and followed the BET isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Conclusion: Nanochitosan has a relatively good capacity for the removal of F from aqueous solutions.