Adsorption of ferrous ion in water on filter paper including cedar bark

Abstract

In ground water such as wells and springs, iron (Fe(II)) and manganese (Mn(II)) are the most commonly found dissolved chemical species. The presence of these metal ions can cause water to exhibit bad odors, taste poorly and to color or stain clothing. In this study, using filter paper made with cedar bark, we have examined the fundamental study on the removal of iron (Fe(II), Fe(III)) and manganese (Mn(II)), along with other metals (Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), and V(V)) found in groundwater. Recently, we have prepared functional filter paper made with cedar bark, as a new method for preventing the contamination of soluble organic compounds. It was found that filter paper with cedar bark adsorbs metal ions. Thus, we considered the application of metal adsorptive filter paper in the removal of iron and manganese in groundwater. Ferric ion demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity and was partly reduced to ferrous ion by the cedar bark. Ferrous ion maintained its oxidation state throughout the experiment, and showed relatively high adsorption capacity amongst the divalent cations. Adsorption behaviors of these ions were seen to obey the Langmuir-type adsorption isotherm, and it was concluded that the ability of filter paper made with cedar bark to reduce and absorb metals, would be promising in the treatment of groundwater.