Fe-Mn-Based Adsorbents Show Promise for Arsenic Removal

Researchers from the University of Novi Sad have made significant findings in the development of Fe-Mn-based adsorbents for the removal of arsenic from contaminated water sources. The study, funded by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, has evaluated the effectiveness of these adsorbents in various scales, from batch experiments to pilot-scale studies. The results demonstrate the potential of Fe-Mn-based adsorbents to remove arsenic efficiently, particularly when optimized under the right conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that Fe-Mn-based adsorbents can effectively remove arsenic from contaminated water sources, with maximum adsorption capacities of 6.25 mg/g and 4.71 mg/g in a synthetic matrix and real groundwater, respectively.
• Batch experiments showed that the adsorbent's capacity is impacted by the water matrix, with real groundwater resulting in lower capacities compared to synthetic matrices.
• Pilot-scale studies demonstrated good agreement between breakthrough curves and fixed-bed column studies under similar empty bed contact times (EBCTs), with breakthrough at 475 bed volumes and 365-587 bed volumes, respectively.
• The study highlighted the importance of optimizing flow conditions, EBCTs, and pre-treatment to successfully scale up Fe-Mn-based adsorbents for sustainable arsenic removal.
• The research emphasized the need for continuous-flow experiments using real contaminated water sources to ensure the effectiveness of the adsorbent in real-world applications.
• Authors Jasmina Nikic, Malcolm Watson, Dorde Pejin, Aleksandra Tubic, and Jasmina Agbaba contributed to the study, which was led by researcher Jasmina Agbaba.

Statistics:

• The maximum adsorption capacities of the Fe-Mn-based adsorbent in batch experiments were 6.25 mg/g and 4.71 mg/g in synthetic and real groundwater sources, respectively.
• The pilot-scale study showed breakthrough at 475 bed volumes, with a capacity of 0.551 mg/g.
• Fixed-bed column studies under similar EBCTs showed breakthrough at 365-587 bed volumes.
• The Thomas, Adams-Bohart, and Yoon-Nelson models demonstrated significant enhancements in arsenic removal efficiency with lower flow rates and extended EBCTs.

Sources:

• "From Batch to Pilot: Scaling Up Arsenic Removal with an Fe-Mn-Based Nanocomposite." Nanomaterials 15, no. 14 (2025): 1104.
• NewsRx. University of Novi Sad Reports Findings in Nanocomposites (From Batch to Pilot: Scaling Up Arsenic Removal with an Fe-Mn-Based Nanocomposite). Nanotechnology Weekly. August 4, 2025; p 5837.