Specific sorption of antimony (III) by the hydrous oxides of manganese, iron and aluminium

Because antimony (III) species were more toxic than pentavalent compounds, and since hydrous oxides seemed to be the major absorbent components of natural sediments, the uptake of antimony (III) by the hydrous oxides of iron, aluminium and manganese was examined. The study demonstrated that trace amounts of antimony species could be scavenged from waters by hydrous oxide particles, giving rise to the very low levels normally detected in natural waters. Sorption from waterways with low ionic strength should be greater than that in high-salt-content waters. Removal of antimony from aqueous phases would be optimal in the pH range 7-8.5, with a sharp fall-off in waters with a pH below 5.5.