Synthesis of high quality boehmite and γ-alumina for phosphorus removal from water works sludge by extraction and hydrothermal treatment.

Alum sludge from water treatment was calcined and extracted to synthesize high quality boehmite and γ-alumina for phosphate removal. Synthesized boehmite and γ-alumina were able to remove phosphate quickly and effectively. Boehmite (hydrothermal treatment at 60 °C) showed maximum phosphate removal (adsorption) of 61 mg P/g followed by γ-alumina (50 mg P/g) and the boehmite hydrothermally treated at 120 °C (41 mg P/g).

Phosphate removal using thermally regenerated Al adsorbent from drinking water treatment sludge.

Alum sludge (AS) is an abundant and ubiquitous residue generated from drinking water treatment plants. AS was thermally treated to use as an adsorbent for phosphate removal from wastewater. Organic matter in the AS was a potential competitor and can deter phosphate adsorption.