Phosphate sorption by three potential filter materials as assessed by isothermal titration calorimetry

Gry Lyngsie, Chad Penn, Hans Chr. Bruun Hansen, Ole K. Borggaard

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Phosphorus eutrophication of lakes and streams, coming from drained farmlands, is a serious problem in areas with intensive agriculture. Installation of phosphate (P) sorbing filters at drain outlets may be a solution. The aim of this study was to improve the understanding of reactions involved in P sorption by three commercial P sorbing materials, i.e. Ca/Mg oxide-based Filtralite-P, Fe oxide-based CFH-12 and Limestone in two particle sizes (2-1mm and 1-0.5mm), by means of isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), sorption isotherms, sequential extractions and SEM-EDS. The results indicate that P retention by CFH is due to surface complexation by rapid formation of strong Fe-P bonds. In contrast, retention of P by Filtralite-P and Limestone strongly depends on pH and time and is interpreted due to formation of calcium phosphate precipitate(s). Consequently, CFH can unambiguously be recommended as P retention filter material in drain outlets, whereas the use of Filtralite-P and Limestone has certain (serious) limitations. Thus, Filtralite-P has high capacity to retain P but only at alkaline pH (pH≥10) and P retention by Limestone requires long-time contact and a high ratio between sorbent and sorbate.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Environmental Management
Volume143
Pages (from-to)26-33
Number of pages8
ISSN0301-4797
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2014

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