Publication: Synthesis and characterization of siderite clay-wood chip composite for arsenic adsorption
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Date
2025-08-08
Authors
Fadhilah binti Mohd Ismail
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Abstract
Arsenic contamination in water, particularly in tin mining areas, poses a major threat to the environment and public health. Conventional arsenic removal methods often face limitations in terms of cost, efficiency, and sustainability, highlighting the need for more effective alternatives. This study developed a sustainable composite made from siderite, clay, and woodchips to enhance arsenic removal from tin mining wastewater. Four composite formulations, Ratio 1, Ratio 2, Ratio 3, and Ratio 4 were tested under thermal treatment at 200 °C, 500 °C, and 800 °C. The composites were shaped using three methods, pallet machine, milling, and hand shaping. Arsenic concentrations were analysed using ICP-OES to evaluate adsorption performance. The results showed that Ratio 1, treated at 500 °C and shaped using the pallet machine, achieved the best performance. Thermal treatment promoted siderite oxidation, producing reactive iron oxides such as goethite, ferrihydrite, and magnetite, which significantly improved arsenic adsorption. The composite is cost effective, with an estimated production cost of approximately RM 50-80 per kg, considerably lower than conventional adsorbents such as activated carbon. This composite offers a low cost, sustainable, and effective solution for arsenic remediation, and serves as a promising foundation for further optimization and large-scale application in water treatment systems in mining-affected regions