Pyrite Ash Research Articles

Industrial by-products-derived binders for in-situ remediation of high Pb content pyrite ash: Synergistic use of ground granulated blast furnace slag and steel slag to achieve efficient Pb retention and CO2 mitigation

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is a cost-effective and conventional binder that is widely adopted in brownfield site remediation and redevelopment. However, the substantial carbon dioxide emission during OPC production and the concerns about its undesirable retention capacity for potentially toxic elements strain this strategy. To tackle this objective, we herein tailored four alternative binders (calcium aluminate cement, OPC-activated ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), white-steel-slag activated GGBFS, and alkaline-activated GGBFS) for facilitating immobilization of high Pb content pyrite ash, with the perspectives of enhancing Pb retention and mitigating anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. The characterizations revealed that the incorporation of white steel slag efficiently benefits the activity of GGBFS, herein facilitating the hydration products (mainly ettringite and calcium silicate hydrates) precipitation and Pb immobilization. Further, we quantified the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint and cost analysis attributed to each binder-Pb contaminants system, finding that the application of these alternative binders could be pivotal in the envisaged carbon-neutral world if the growth of the OPC-free roadmap continues. The findings suggest that the synergistic use of recycled white steel slag and GGBFS can be proposed as a profitable and sustainable OPC-free candidate to facilitate the management of lead-contaminated brownfield sites. The overall results underscore the potential immobilization mechanisms of Pb in multiple OPC-free/substitution binder systems and highlight the urgent need to bridge the zero-emission insights to sustainable in-situ solidification/stabilization technologies.

Mechanistic insights into Pb and sulfates retention in ordinary Portland cement and aluminous cement: Assessing the contributions from binders and solid waste

Identifying immobilization mechanisms of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is of paramount importance in the field application of solidification/stabilization. Traditionally, demanding and extensive experiments are required to better access the underlying retention mechanisms, which are usually challenging to quantify and clarify precisely. Herein, we present a geochemical model with parametric fitting techniques to reveal the solidification/stabilization of Pb-rich pyrite ash through conventional (ordinary Portland cement) and alternative (calcium aluminate cement) binders. We found that ettringite and calcium silicate hydrates exhibit strong affinities for Pb at alkaline conditions. When the hydration products are unable to stabilize all the soluble Pb in the system, part of the soluble Pb may be immobilized as Pb(OH)2. At acidic and neutral conditions, hematite from pyrite ash and newly-formed ferrihydrite are the main controlling factors of Pb, coupled with anglesite and cerussite precipitation. Thus, this work provides a much-needed complement to this widely-applied solid waste remediation technique for the development of more sustainable mixture formulations.

The leaching behaviors of lead, zinc, and sulfate in pyrite ash contaminated soil: mineralogical assessments and environmental implications

Contaminated soil with high mobility of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can threaten the environment and human health. Precisely quantifying trends in PTEs accumulation in the soil under changing pH conditions is essential to minimize potential exposure. However, this has long been a hard-to-monitor subject experimentally due to the relatively low content of PTEs and the lack of detailed knowledge of the minerals that control PTEs' leaching. Here we profoundly investigate the critical role of soil mineralogy in PTEs release and predict the leaching behavior of PTEs by exploiting the modeling approach. The investigated sample comes from a brownfield site devoted to fertilizers production. Hematite, jarosite, and gypsum are the major mineralogical phases, with zinc sulfate, anglesite, kintoreite, and Pb-bearing jarosite being identified as the dominant Pb and Zn phases. pH-dependent leaching tests in combination with geochemical modeling were used to reveal the potential leaching mechanisms and contaminants solubility-controlling phases at pH ranging from 1 to 12. The experimental and modeling results both demonstrated that Pb and Zn have an amphoteric leaching behavior, with the lowest leached concentrations at the neutral/alkaline region around pH values from 8.0 to 10.0. The calculated saturation indexes suggest that Pb retention is controlled by anglesite, cerussite, and hydrocerussite, while Zn retention is attributed to zinc carbonates and hydroxides. Further, jarosite and ferrihydrite may play a role in Pb and Zn retention. In comparison, the sulfate release increases with pH values, which is governed by the equilibrium of jarosite, gypsum, and anglesite. The overall results highlight the value of converging experimental-geochemical modeling approaches to gain a deeper understanding of PTEs' release and retention, which is difficult to reveal through experiments alone. These advances may be pivotal in the sustainable management and design of remediation strategies.

An overview of the most actual methods of pyrite ash valorization

The obtaining process of sulfuric acid, that involves roasted of pyrite ores, leads to accumulation of a significant amount of secondary matter known as pyrite ash. This waste, that is found worldwide in quantities of millions of tons, it is highlighted by his chemical composition, based on the presence of high concentrations of hematite and magnetite. By implementing worldwide of the concept of circular economy, the use of pyritic ash as an alternative source of iron is a topic of current interest. This study is proposing to present the latest trends in the methods of valorization of pyritic ash that are presented in the specialty literature, which can be implemented in various branches of industry.

Influence of Exposure Conditions and Particulate Deposition on Anodized Aluminum Corrosion

Anodizing is commonly used for corrosion protection of aluminum and its alloys in the construction industry. The anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) coating has a high ability to prevent the development of extensive pitting corrosion in aluminum substrates, particularly in marine sites, as was observed during a 10-year atmospheric corrosion study carried out in several marine and industrial sites. However, this study also evidenced that this coating can be highly affected by the deposition of particulate material in industrial polluted environments, sometimes in unexpected ways. This study presents information on the atmospheric corrosion of anodized aluminum exposed at two different chemical industrial complexes: a fertilizer production plant and a pulp and paper mill. Visual assessment of surface changes, pitting depth and mass variation with exposure were determined to quantify the degradation suffered. Additionally, SEM/EDS analyses were carried out on the exposed surfaces. Based on the results obtained, the role played by the deposition of airborne particles present in the two environments with respect to the type and level of damage observed is discussed. Deposits of roasted pyrite ash and phosphates or of wood chips and lime particles enhanced pitting corrosion or caused dissolution of the AAO coating.

Groundwater Quality Affected by the Pyrite Ash Waste and Fertilizers in Valea Calugareasca, Romania

The aim of the study was to assess the groundwater quality in a rural area affected by the abandoned pyrite ash waste dumps. The abundance of major ions in groundwater depends largely on the nature of the rocks, climatic conditions, and mobility. To evaluate geochemical processes, 30 groundwater samples collected from Valea Calugareasca, Prahova County, Romania, were analyzed for the major anions (NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, and F−) and cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+), which are naturally highly variable due to climatic and geographical location conditions. Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and K+ varied between 118 and 275 mg/L, 32 and 160 mg/L, 12.2 and 78.4 mg/L, and 0.21 and 4.48 mg/L, respectively. NO3− levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) limit of 50 mg/L were identified in 17% of the groundwater samples, mainly as result of fertilizers applied to agricultural activities. The hydrogeochemical study identified dolomite dissolution and halite precipitation as natural sources of ions as well as the presence of pyrite as a source of SO42− ions in 60% of the samples. The sulfate content varied between 125 and 262 mg/L. Bicarbonate and chloride concentrations varied between 202 and 530 mg/L and 21 and 212 mg/L. The saturation index indicates the contribution of Ca2+ ions in the groundwater samples came from some processes of dissolving rocks such as aragonites (values between 1.27 and 2.69) and calcites (values between 1.43 and 2.82). Negative halite values indicated that salt accumulation results from precipitation processes. Only 10% of the analyzed groundwater samples were suitable for human consumption, the samples being situated on the hill, far away from the pyrite ash waste dumps and agricultural land.

Phenomenal Simulation Modelling of X-Ray Diffraction Patterns of Pyrite Ash Bioprocessed in Acetobacter aceti Contained Media

Phenomenal profiling functions were applied for the simulation of an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of pyrite ash bioprocessed in Acetobacter aceti contained growth media. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) values were estimated for each pattern of pyrite ash, and the Bragg equation was used to determine the atomic layer spacing, as well crystallite size and strain broadening were accomplished by applications of Scherrer and Williamson-Hall equations. Errors in line broadening were correlated with the FWHM equations of the generalised profiling functions, and the microstrain (<i>ε</i>) was estimated with the relation between the integral breadth (<i>β</i><sub>i</sub>) and cos<i>θ</i>. Furthermore, the XRD pattern of a discrete peak was 3D simulated using Gaussian, Lorentzian, Pearson VII, pseudo-Voigt, and Voigt functions. The Gaussian function with a round top peak was designated the most suitable profile simulation by offering the maximum peak height, <i>I</i><sub>max</sub> and tails comparable to the experimental peak.

Recovery of nanoferrites from metal bearing wastes: Synthesis, characterization and adsorption study

Manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) nanoparticles were produced by surfactant-assisted method using as metal sources both synthetic chemicals and industrial wastes (spent Li-ion batteries and pyrite ash) and performing different thermal treatments (microwave, autoclave, furnace at different temperature, oven).Nanoferrites obtained using synthetic precursor by microwave-surfactant assisted hydrothermal route showed distinct XRD peak of spinel phase; nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, BET, magnetism and adsorption tests. Nanoferrites were found to have plate shape with 715 nm width size, 5.23 emu/g, 57 ± 1 m2/g surface size, 0.59 ± 0.03 mmol/g arsenic and 0.80 ± 0.04 mmol/g copper adsorption capacity.Thermal treatment performed during synthesis by microwaves gave the best results in terms of crystallinity, surface area, magnetism and metals sorption capacity. In particular, the ideal nanoparticles were found to have octahedron shape with 22.3 nm size, 38.63 emu/g magnetism, 159 ± 1 m2/g surface size, 0.63 ± 0.03 mmol/g As(V) and 1.17 ± 0.05 mmol/g Cu(II) adsorption capacity.Then experimental findings showed that using the same optimized conditions (microwave assisted hydrothermal route) waste precursors gave nanoferrites with different morphology, similar mineralogical phase, and improved characteristics in terms of magnetic properties, surface area and metal sorption capacity.

Arsenic release from pyrite ash waste over an active hydrogeological system and its effects on water quality.

Arsenic is a potentially toxic element of concern for environmental compartments, and it is a frequent pollutant in many abandoned industrial sites. In this study, geochemical and hydrogeological tools were used to determine the long-term effects of As-rich pyrite ash disposal (83,000 m3 as estimated by geostatistical tools) in a brownfield located over a quaternary alluvial aquifer. Throughout the site, soil pollution and water table oscillation led to leachates in the form of both run-off and infiltration waters, thereby reducing (ground)water quality (e.g. pH, electrical conductivity) and, in particular, increasing the concentration of arsenic (average approx. 4000 μg/l for one hydrological year). By means of laboratory and in situ measurements, the main mechanisms through which the sulphide remaining in the pyrite ash leaches were identified. In addition, to evaluate the effects of the polluted groundwater on the nearby main river, a mathematical approach using the Domenico analytical groundwater transport model revealed potential concentrations of 49 μg/l of arsenic in the junction between the study aquifer and the river, equivalent to an annual quantity of 49 kg of this element.

Manganese ferrite nanoparticle production from industrial wastes as sorbent material for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions

Manganese ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by microwave-sonication assisted hydrothermal route and produced from wastes of Li-ion batteries and pyrite ash. The leaching solution of waste pyrite ash was used as the Fe source while the Mn-bearing solution recovered from the Li-ion battery recycling process was used as the Mn source. X-ray diffractometry showed that manganese ferrite can be obtained as single crystalline phase. Scanning electron microscope images showed that double-pyramid or octahedral particles were formed with an average size of 24.3 nm. These MnFe2O4 nanoparticles demonstrated good sorption capacity toward As (101 ± 0.5 mg/g at pH 3).

Composition and risk assessment of roasted pyrite ash from fertiliser production

Pyrite ash is a residue from the roasting of pyrite ores to obtain sulphuric acid used in the fertiliser industry and its production is widely extended worldwide. The mismanagement of this waste may result in environmental and health damages due to its physico-chemical characteristics. The main objective of this study was to examine the physico-chemical and mineralogical composition of roasted pyrite ash from an abandoned fertiliser company, and to evaluate the environmental risk caused by the wind and water dispersion of metals posed by this waste. In order to achieve these objectives, a sequential extraction procedure and a physical fractionation into six size fractions: >100, 100–50, 50–20, 20–10, 10–2.5 and < 2.5 μm were applied. Results showed that pyrite ash is composed mainly of iron-oxides such as hematite (46%) and secondary minerals as anglesite and shows high concentrations of Pb (7464 mg kg−1), Zn (2663 mg kg−1) and Cu (585 mg kg−1). The highest Risk Assessment Code (RAC) values were found for Cd, Pb and Zn, bound to the more labile fractions. Conversely, Pb showed the lowest water solubility due to the covering effect provided by a coating of anglesite in the pyrite ash surface. Most of the metals were associated to both the coarsest (>100 μm) and the finest (2.5–10 μm) fractions, although none represented an environmental risk according to the ecological risk index results. However, 30% of the metals were bound to the respirable fraction (≤100 μm) posing a potential risk for human health and a high potential dispersion by wind to the surrounding areas.

Evaluation of strategies for mitigating risks associated with metals in pyrite ash

The main objective was to evaluate and optimise strategies for the immobilisation or mobilisation of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn from pyrite ash. Alkaline amendments were used for the immobilisation test: cement, sandstone, marl, marble waste and calcareous crust. The amendments were mixed with pyrite ash at a 1:2 rate, incubated for 28 days, and leachates analysed at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and after 2, 7, 14 and 28 days. The mobilisation experiment tested metal release from pyrite ash by four concentrations of H2SO4 (0.25 M, 0.5 M, 1 M and 2 M) and contact times (60, 120, 180 and 240 min). Results for the immobilisation/mobilisation tests for Cr and Ni are not presented due to the low concentration in pyrite ash. In the immobilisation test, optimum results across metals and amendments were obtained after two days with percentages of retention being about 90% compared to leachates from pyrite ash only. The release success (in % of total content) using sulphuric acid followed the order: Cd (75%) > Zn (62%) > Cu (37%) > Pb (7%). The concentration of acid was more important than contact time (release enhanced at higher concentrations) except for Zn. The two strategies tested were successful to reduce the risk posed by metals. In terms of optimization, all alkaline materials showed high efficiency for metal retention after a short contact time; for mobilisation, treatment with sulphuric acid at high concentration (up to 2 M tested) resulted to be the optimum with contact time having limited influence.

Evaluating solubility of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd in pyrite cinder using leaching tests and geochemical modelling

Production of sulfuric acid by roasting of pyrite (Fe sulfide) produces a Fe rich waste product, pyrite cinder (or pyrite ash), which often contains high levels of trace metals such as Zn and Pb. The chemical forms of the metals and their solubility in these materials are poorly known. To evaluate the risks associated with pyrite cinder and manage cinder contaminated sites efficiently more knowledge on the chemical processes in pyrite cinder is needed. In this study the solubility of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd in a pyrite cinder from Bergvik, Sweden, was investigated. The objectives were to (i) identify the solubility controlling processes for Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd in the pH range 3–9, (ii) characterize the Fe (hydr)oxides present in these materials and (iii) to identify implications for management strategies of pyrite cinder contaminated sites. This was done using a combination of batch experiments, selective extractions, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and geochemical modelling. Hematite was identified as the dominating Fe mineral in the cinder. A geochemical model using generic binding parameters could describe the solubility of Zn, Cu and Cd in the cinder well, while Pb concentrations were generally underestimated. The modelling indicated that adsorption to Fe (hydr)oxides was the most important solubility controlling mechanism for all metals, except for Zn at pH > 6, where Zn minerals seemed to control the concentrations of Zn. To minimize leaching of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd from cinder materials, remediation strategies should be focused on keeping the pH > 6.

A novel bioreactor system for simultaneous mutli-metal leaching from industrial pyrite ash: Effect of agitation and sulphur dosage

Simultaneous multi-metal leaching from industrial pyrite ash is reported for the first time using a novel bioreactor system that allows natural diffusion of atmospheric O2 and CO2 along with the required temperature maintenance. The waste containing economically important metals (Cu, Co, Zn & As) was leached using an adapted consortium of meso-acidophilic Fe2+ and S oxidising bacteria. The unique property of the sample supported adequate growth and activity of the acidophiles, thereby, driving the (bio) chemical reactions. Oxido-reductive potentials were seen to improve with time and the system’s pH lowered as a result of active S oxidation. Increase in sulphur dosage (>1g/L) and agitation speed (>150rpm) did not bear any significant effect on metal dissolution. The consortium was able to leach 94.01% Cu (11.75% dissolution/d), 98.54% Co (12.3% dissolution/d), 75.95% Zn (9.49% dissolution/d) and 60.80% As (7.6% dissolution/d) at 150rpm, 1g/L sulphur, 30°C in 8days.

Inorganic wastes in glaze recipes and their effects on microstructure

This work reports on recycling various amounts of inorganic wastes (scraps of glass packaging waste, key sawdust, copper slag, and pyrite ash) into artistic ceramic glazes. These waste materials were used in the range of 0.6–20% in artistic glaze compositions. Glazes were composed of a mixture of acidic (SiO2, B2O3), basic (Na2O, K2O, CaO, ZnO, PbO), and amphoteric (Al2O3, Cr2O3) oxides and formulated using the Seger method. These glaze compositions were applied over the surface of the porcelain body and fired at 1080 °C and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). As a consequence, results showed that, different inorganic wastes could be used in artistic glaze compositions for the obtaining attractive colors and textures.

Chemistry and phase evolution during roasting of toxic thallium-bearing pyrite

In the frame of a research project on microscopic distribution and speciation of geogenic thallium (Tl) from contaminated mine soils, Tl-bearing pyrite ore samples from Riotinto mining district (Huelva, SW Spain) were experimentally fired to simulate a roasting process. Concentration and volatility behavior of Tl and other toxic heavy metals was determined by quantitative ICP-MS, whereas semi-quantitative mineral phase transitions were identified by in situ thermo X-Ray Diffraction (HT-XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses after each firing temperature.Sample with initial highest amount of quartz (higher Si content), lowest quantity of pyrite and traces of jarosite (lower S content) developed hematite and concentrated Tl (from 10 up to 72 mg kg−1) after roasting at 900 °C in an oxidizing atmosphere. However, samples with lower or absent quartz content and higher pyrite amount mainly developed magnetite, accumulating Tl between 400 and 500 °C and releasing Tl from 700 up to 900 °C (from 10–29 mg kg−1 down to 4–1 mg kg−1). These results show the varied accumulative, or volatile, behaviors of one of the most toxic elements for life and environment, in which oxidation of Tl-bearing Fe sulfides produce Fe oxides wastes with or without Tl. The initial chemistry and mineralogy of pyrite ores should be taken into account in coal-fired power stations, cement or sulfuric acid production industry involving pyrite roasting processes, and steel, brick or paint industries, which use iron ore from roasted pyrite ash, where large amounts of Tl entail significant environmental pollution.

Enhanced Soil Washing for the Remediation of a Brownfield Polluted by Pyrite Ash

ABSTRACTSoil from an abandoned/disused fertilizer plant polluted with pyrite ash containing heavy metal(loid)s (As, Cu, Pb, and Zn) was treated by means of physical and chemical washing. We first performed an exhaustive characterization of the soil-pollutant interaction, which allowed us to determine the chemical nature (complex oxyhydroxides), potential mobility and bioavailability of the pollutants (very low), as well as the grain size fractions of preferential accumulation (silt-clay fraction comprises more than 60% of the material and revealed contents well above 2.000 ppm of Cu, Zn and Pb). Soil/ash samples were subjected to a number of chemical washing trials, including leaching with 2 M HCl, 2 M NaOH and acidic process water (pH around 0). The fraction below 63 µm was mechanically separated and exposed to additional leaching tests e.g. chloridizing roasting with NaCl plus water leaching. Of all the tested procedures, the latter proved the most effective, particularly with regard to Cu and Zn recovery (recoveries up to 40% and 34%, respectively). The information gathered offers an insight into the modes and rates at which metals can be leached from pyrite ashes after chloridizing roasting as a prelude to more extensive soil washing feasibility studies focused on potential metal recovery.

Synergistic effect of biogenic Fe3+ coupled to S° oxidation on simultaneous bioleaching of Cu, Co, Zn and As from hazardous Pyrite Ash Waste

Pyrite ash, a waste by-product formed during roasting of pyrite ores, is a good source of valuable metals. The waste is associated with several environmental issues due to its dumping in sea and/or land filling. Although several other management practices are available for its utilization, the waste still awaits and calls for an eco-friendly biotechnological application for metal recovery. In the present study, chemolithotrophic meso-acidophilic iron and sulphur oxidisers were evaluated for the first time towards simultaneous mutli-metal recovery from pyrite ash. XRD and XRF analysis indicated higher amount of Hematite (Fe2O3) in the sample. ICP–OES analysis indicated concentrations of Cu>Zn>Co>As that were considered for bioleaching. Optimization studies indicated Cu – 95%, Co – 97%, Zn – 78% and As – 60% recovery within 8days at 10% pulp density, pH – 1.75, 10% (v/v) inoculum and 9g/L Fe2+. The productivity of the bioleaching system was found to be Cu – 1696ppm/d (12% dissolution/d), Co – 338ppm/d (12.2% dissolution/d), Zn k 576ppm/d (9.8% dissolution/d) and As – 75ppm/d (7.5% dissolution/d). Synergistic actions for Fe2+ – S° oxidation by iron and sulphur oxidisers were identified as the key drivers for enhanced metal dissolution from pyrite ash sample.

Soil washing optimization by means of attributive analysis: Case study for the removal of potentially toxic elements from soil contaminated with pyrite ash

This paper describes a feasibility study of physical soil washing techniques to separate potentially toxic elements, such as As, Cu, Hg, Pb and Sb, in a brownfield affected by pyrite ash disposal. To this end, complete pedological and geochemical analyses were conducted in order to determine the properties of the soil. Afterwards exhaustive lab-scale soil washing tests were performed with the aim to concentrate most of the contaminants into a small fraction of treated soil. The procedures used included gravity separation–heavy liquid assays–, hydrocycloning and wet and dry magnetic separation.Within this context, grain-size classification proved effective only for the treatment of the sizes below 63 μm. Better results were obtained by heavy liquid separation, which was optimal at most grain sizes, except fractions of the soil between 1000 and 2000 μm, and below 63 μm. As regards magnetic separation, dry high-intensity magnetic separation was suitable for the treatment of grain sizes above 500 μm and gave yields similar to those achieved by heavy liquid assays in most cases. The results of the experiments were compared through the novel approach of attributive analysis, and the findings indicated that the separation procedures for pollutants yielded repeatable results. Moreover, an intuitive method of evaluating the performance of the separation techniques by introducing a “success score” was developed. This procedure takes into account not only the various scenarios contemplated by legislation but also the performance of each washing method for each element.All things considered, in feasibility studies for soil washing methods and also for mineral processing purposes, both attributive analysis and the “success score” may be useful for selecting optimal operating conditions, thus facilitating the scale-up of the results. Moreover, the method presented could be used in any operating plant that aims to reduce emissions while at the same time maximizing product outputs.

黄铁矿灰渣去除溶解态砷

Pyrite ash (PA), a waste produced during the roasting of pyrite ores to produce sulfuric acid, was studied as a potential adsorbent for removing arsenic (As) from groundwater. The collected pyrite ash waste samples contained >86 % iron (as Fe2O3). The results indicate that adsorption of As by PA was only slightly affected by initial pH at pH ≤ 9. Arsenate removal efficiency increased with the amount of adsorbent added over the range of 0.1–50 g/L. The As(V) removal increased with time, and 79 % removal was achieved within 1 h. Moreover, there was no significant change in As concentrations after 24 h. The adsorption process was best described by a second-order kinetic model. The adsorption of As(V) onto the PA was found to have followed the Langmuir isotherm. In batch studies, the maximum As(V) removal efficiency was 97 % at an adsorbent dose of 10 g/L, with an initial As(V) concentration of 300 µg/L. Thus, the PA was shown to be a suitable sorbent, reducing As from an initial level of 600 to <10 μg/L As(V), i.e., below the WHO limit for drinking water.