Synergistic deep removal of As(III) and Cd(II) by a calcined multifunctional MgZnFe-CO layered double hydroxide: Photooxidation, precipitation and adsorption.

A high removal rate (>99.7%) of combined arsenite (As(III)) and Cd (Cd(II)) in low concentration (1000 μg/L) from contaminated water was achieved by a calcined MgZnFe-CO layered double hydroxide (CMZF) adsorbent. Batch control studies and a series of spectroscopy detection technologies were employed to investigate the removal mechanism and interactions between As(III) and Cd(II) on the interface of water/CMZF. Synergistic adsorption and photooxidation occurred based on the systematical kinetic and isotherm studies. The enhanced removal of As(III) was achieved by the photooxidation, formation of ternary As(III)Cd(II) surface complexes and enhanced hydrogen bond. Meanwhile, oxidative formed negative charged As(V) could reduce the electrostatic repulsion force between Cd(II) cations and play a role as anion bridging, consequently resulted in a stronger attraction between CMZF and Cd(II). Combined with the verdicts of relevant characterizations such as XRD, XPS and EPR, it was assumed that the deep co-removal mechanism could be attributed to the coupling of various processes including intercalation, complexation, photooxidation of As(III) and precipitation of CdCO. Moreover, the successful removal of As(III) and Cd(II) from real water matrix qualified the CMZF a potentially attractive adsorbent for both As(III) and Cd(II) deep treatment in practical engineering.