Sepiolite-Based Adsorbents for the Removal of Potentially Toxic Elements from Water: A Strategic Review for the Case of Environmental Contamination in Hunan, China

Zhenghua Wang, Lina Liao, Andrew Hursthouse, Na Song and Bozhi Ren
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Zhenghua Wang: Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Resource Exploitation, Hunan University of Science & Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Lina Liao: School of Civil Engineering, Hunan University of Science & Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Andrew Hursthouse: Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Resource Exploitation, Hunan University of Science & Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China
Na Song: School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
Bozhi Ren: Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Shale Gas Resource Exploitation, Hunan University of Science & Technology, Xiangtan 411201, China

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: The last few decades have seen rapid industrialization and urban development in many regions globally; with associated pollution by potentially toxic elements; which have become a threat to human health and the food chain. This is particularly prevalent in a number of regions in China that host multiple mineral resources and are important agricultural locations. Solutions to protect contamination of the food chain are more effective and sustainable if locally sourced materials are available; and in this context; we review the potential of local (sepiolite) mineral deposits to treat water contamination in the Hunan Municipality; central south China; widely recognized for significant environmental pollution issues (particularly by Hg; Cd; Pb; and Cr) and the high agricultural productivity of the region. Sepiolite is an abundant fibrous clay mineral with modest to good adsorption properties and extensive industrial process applications. It shows reasonable performance as an adsorbent for element removal. In addition; a number of surface modification strategies are available that improve this capability. We review these studies; focused on sorption reaction mechanisms and regeneration potential; with a view to present options for a localized and effective economic strategy for future application.

Keywords: sepiolite; adsorption; potentially toxic elements; modification; regeneration; Xiangjiang River (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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