Cadmium and arsenic interactions under different molar ratios during coadsorption processes by excluding pH interference

Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), two common heavy metals that are toxic to living bodies, are often commonly coadsorbed onto minerals in the soil environment and influenced by many surrounding factors. Among them, pH is the critical factor in determining the As(V)–Cd(II) interaction during coadsorption processes; hence, this study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms in determining the As(V)–Cd(II) interactions on γ-Al2O3 interface after excluding pH interference. At pH 6.0, Cd(II) adsorption sharply increased at first and then decreased with increasing As(V) concentrations, and the turning point of As(V)/Cd(II) molar ratios was approximately 5. For comparison, As(V) adsorption remained stable at the beginning and then sharply increased with increasing Cd(II) concentrations, with the turning point at Cd(II)/As(V) molar ratios = 1. Through analysis by zeta potential, X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscope, electrostatic adsorption and formation of ternary complexes were proven to be the critical mechanisms in deciding the reactivity of Cd(II), whereas formation of ternary complexes and surface precipitation were the dominant mechanisms controlling the stability of As(V). The results in this study allowed us to infer that the mechanism for the coadsorption of Cd(II) and As(V) at stable pH conditions included both competitive and synergistic effects. [Display omitted] •As(V)–Cd(II) interactions on γ-Al2O3 was investigated by excluding pH interference.•Cd(II) regulated by electrostatic adsorption and ternary complexes.•As(V) regulated by ternary complexes and surface precipitation.•Both competitive and synergistic effects decide Cd(II) and As(V) coadsorption.