Development of a low cost potato gel system for nitrate removal from water

Abstract

This paper proposes to utilize the commonly available natural resource in form of tuber i.e. potato to treat the water for nitrate. The gel derived from potato (Solanum tuberosum) is employed for the removal of contaminant present in the water. The chosen system has shown overall 92 % reduction in nitrate concentration. Batch study was carried out to optimize the parameters (time of reaction, adsorbent weight and adsorbate concentration) followed by 144 h run of column to determine capability of adsorbent with artificial samples. Our studies showed that the batch study followed the Langmuir isotherm more closely than the Freundlich isotherm. Column data fit the Thomas model and kinetic constant is determined using Thomas equation. The maximum sorption capacity determined for adsorbent is 0.2484 mg/g. FTIR analysis of adsorbent (potato gel) at two different conditions shows changes in transmittance indicating the presence of active sites in adsorbent responsible for nitrate reduction.