Characterization of Quintinite Particles in Fluoride Removal from Aqueous Solutions

The aim of this study was to characterize quintinite in fluoride removal from aqueous solutions, using batch experiments. Experimental results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of fluoride to quintinite was 7.71 mg/g. The adsorption of fluoride to quintinite was not changed at pH 5-9, but decreased considerably in highly acidic (pH < 3) and alkaline (pH > 11) solution conditions. Kinetic model analysis showed that among the three models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich), the pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable for describing the kinetic data. From the nonlinear regression analysis, the pseudo-second-order parameter values were determined to be $q_e=0.18mg/g$ and $k_2=28.80g/mg/hr$. Equilibrium isotherm model analysis demonstrated that among the three models (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich-Peterson), both the Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson models were suitable for describing the equilibrium data. The model analysis superimposed the Redlich-Peterson model fit on the Freundlich fit. The Freundlich model parameter values were determined from the nonlinear regression to be $K_F=0.20L/g$ and 1/n=0.51. This study demonstrated that quintinite could be used as an adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions.