Defluoridation of groundwater using aluminum-coated bauxite: Optimization of synthesis process conditions and equilibrium study.

There is no known effective treatment for fluoride-related health disorders, hence prevention through water defluoridation is necessary. This study explored the possibility of modifying the physico-chemical properties of bauxite, a locally available material in many countries including Ghana, by thermal treatment and an aluminum coating, for water defluoridation. The study mainly focused on investigating the effects of varying synthesis process conditions on the defluoridation efficiency of Granular Aluminum Coated Bauxite (GACB).

Biological and physico-chemical formation of Birnessite during the ripening of manganese removal filters.

The efficiency of manganese removal in conventional groundwater treatment consisting of aeration followed by rapid sand filtration, strongly depends on the ability of filter media to promote auto-catalytic adsorption of dissolved manganese and its subsequent oxidation. Earlier studies have shown that the compound responsible for the auto-catalytic activity in ripened filters is a manganese oxide called Birnessite. The aim of this study was to determine if the ripening of manganese removal filters and the formation of Birnessite on virgin sand is initiated biologically or physico-chemically.