Using a High-Capacity Chemically Activated Cow Bone to Remove Fluoride: Field-Scale Column Tests and Laboratory Regeneration Studies
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 2
Abstract
In this study, a novel material, chemically activated cow bone (CAB), was further evaluated for fluoride removal via laboratory batch and field column studies using fluoride-impacted groundwaters in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Regeneration of the exhausted CAB was evaluated using 0.05 M NaOH and 0.01 M solutions. Water-quality parameters were analyzed to ensure that the CAB-treated water is safe for human consumption. The study indicated that the CAB produced in the laboratory and field showed fourfold improvement in fluoride removal capacity as compared to thermally activated cow bone (commonly known as bone char). The study also showed that more than 92% adsorption capacity of the exhausted CAB media can be regained using 0.05 M NaOH and 0.01 M solutions. The water-quality analysis conducted on the highly fluoride-impacted drinking waters treated using CAB media were found to be safe for public consumption. Therefore, these results further reinforce that CAB media can be used to provide access to safe drinking water for communities living in highly fluoride-impacted areas in developing countries and beyond.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Oromo Self-Help Organization (OSHO), Dr. Feleke Zewge (Addis Ababa University, College of Natural Sciences, Ethiopia), Catholic Relief Service/Meki-Catholic Secretariat, and National Fluorosis Mitigation Project Office (Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity, Ethiopia) for facilitation of field works in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia. This work was funded in part by University of Oklahoma Water Technologies for Emerging Regions (WaTER) Center, the Sun Oil Company Endowed Chair, the Ken Hoving Graduate College Fellowship, the National Science Foundation (CBET 1066425), and the Norman Noon Rotary Club, District 5770, Oklahoma. The authors also thank Philip Deal for reviewing the manuscript.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 2 • February 2017
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 4, 2016
Accepted: Jul 11, 2016
Published online: Sep 8, 2016
Published in print: Feb 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Feb 8, 2017
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