Browsing by Author "Chatterjee, Somak"

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Adsorptive removal of arsenic from groundwater using a novel high flux polyacrylonitrile (PAN)–laterite mixed matrix ultrafiltration membrane
(RSC, 2015-01) Chatterjee, Somak
A flat sheet mixed matrix membrane, made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) copolymer, impregnated with laterite, was fabricated for the removal of arsenic from water. The permeability and molecular weight cut-off of the selected membrane were 3.4 × 10−11 m s−1 Pa and 48 kDa, respectively. Morphological analysis showed macrovoids constricted by laterite particles. Surface characteristics assessed by atomic force microscopy revealed the increase in roughness with laterite concentration. The presence of different forms of iron oxide (laterite) and nitrile groups (polyacrylonitrile) in membrane M25 was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Incorporation of arsenic within the membrane matrix was demonstrated by subsequent lowering of transmittance peaks at different wavelengths of FTIR. Maximum adsorption capacity of the selected membrane was 1.4 mg g−1 at 298 K. Under the optimum operating conditions, the pristine mixed matrix membrane resulted in a filtrate with a concentration below 10 μg l−1 for 17 hours in cross flow mode with a 0.01 m2 filtration area. The stability of the membrane was demonstrated for three regeneration cycles. The effect of pH and coexisting anions like phosphate, sulphate, carbonate and bicarbonate on the removal efficiency of arsenic was studied. The performance of the membrane in the presence of arsenic-contaminated groundwater was also tested.
Adsorptive removal of arsenic from groundwater using chemically treated iron ore slime incorporated mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane
(Elsiever, 2017-05-31) Chatterjee, Somak
Iron ore slime was chemically treated and impregnated in polysulfone hollow fibers for treatment of arsenic contaminated water. Improvement of arsenic removal capacity of the treated slime was observed due to deposition of metallic hydroxide/oxyhydroxide on its surface. Successful incorporation of iron ore slime within the membrane matrix was confirmed by X-ray diffractograms. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed the blockage of pores within polysulfone membranes by the additive, resulting in decrease of porosity, permeability and molecular weight cut off. However, improved hydrophilicity, higher surface roughness and arsenic uptake capacity of prepared membranes were observed. Mechanism of arsenic removal by the mixed matrix membrane was governed by electrostatic attraction mediated adsorption. Membrane with the highest additive percentage (10 wt%) produced arsenic free water for 14 h for real life feed solution at 11.5 L/m2 h, when operated in dynamic mode. Exhausted membrane was regenerated for three cycles using synthetic solution. Breakthrough time for arsenic removal was reduced from 28 h to 22 h and 14 h after second and third cycle, respectively. Maximum interference effect on removal process is shown by dissolved sulfate ions. The membrane was also able to remove microorganisms and iron simultaneously from real life feed solution below their WHO approved permissible level.
Adsorptive removal of fluoride by activated alumina doped cellulose acetate phthalate
(CRC, 2019) Chatterjee, Somak
Adsorptive removal of fluoride by activated alumina doped cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) mixed matrix membrane
(Elsiever, 2014-04) Chatterjee, Somak
Flat sheet mixed matrix membranes were prepared using cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and activated granular alumina using phase inversion technique. The membranes were characterized using porosity, permeability, molecular weight cut off (MWCO) and contact angle. Compositional analysis of the membrane was carried out by X-ray diffraction and the morphology and surface roughness were investigated by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope, respectively. The permeability of the membrane was reduced from 3.0 × 10−11 to 1.4 × 10−11 m/Pa s as alumina concentration increased from 0 to 35 wt% for constant CAP concentration at 20 wt%. Decrease in porosity from 75% to 45% supported the above fact. Membrane hydrophilicity was improved and most importantly, fluoride rejection from contaminated water increased to 91% using 35 wt% of alumina. Maximum adsorption capacity for fluoride was 2.3 mg/g for the mixed matrix membrane at room temperature. Continuous cross flow experiments revealed that the virgin membrane (24 kDa), having a surface area of 0.01 m2, could produce water well within the safety limit for a time of 11 h. Regeneration study was conducted for five cycles. Effect of other co-existing anions on fluoride removal efficiency of the membrane was also studied.
Adsorptive removal of potentially toxic metals (cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc) by chemically treated laterite: Single and multicomponent batch and column study
(Elsiever, 2017-08) Chatterjee, Somak
Efficiency of chemically treated laterite was tested to remove, copper, cadmium, zinc and nickel (potentially toxic metals) from drinking water. Infrared spectroscopy confirms the uptake of these contaminants by treated laterite. Optimum treatment parameters are observed at 10 mg/L adsorbent concentration, 0.26 mm particle size and pH range of 6–9. Maximum uptake capacities are observed to be 3.7 mg/g (0.03 mmol/g), 2.8 mg/g (0.04 mmol/g), 2.8 mg/g (0.04 mmol/g) and 2 mg/g (0.03 mmol/g), for cadmium, copper, zinc and nickel, respectively. Adsorption was endothermic and physical in nature. Fixed bed column study was carried out using a multicomponent feed having concentration 5 mg/L of each potentially toxic metal, and the effect of bed depth and flow rate were observed. Corresponding to a specific process condition, saturation was faster for nickel followed by zinc, cadmium and copper. The column was also tested for a real-life toxic metal contaminated river sample, collected from Yamuna River, New Delhi (GPS location 30° 54/N and 76° 59/E).
Aluminium terephthalate (Al-BDC) based metal organic framework decorated carboxymethylated filter cloth for defluoridation application
(Elsevier, 2023-06) Chatterjee, Somak
Current work adopts a novel approach for deposition of aluminium terephthalate-based metal organic framework (MOF) on carboxymethylated filter paper for defluoridation purpose. Aluminium terephthalate-based MOF was prepared using an optimized technique and showed a fluoride uptake capacity of 665 mg/g. However, due to its low yield, synthesized MOF was immobilized on carboxymethylated filter paper, using hydrothermal method. MOF immobilized filter paper (MOF cloth) showed a fluoride uptake capacity of 88 mg/g. Different surface-based characterization for MOF and MOF cloth were performed. Synthesized MOF was quasi-spherical in shape, forming flower like structures, when coalesced together and it showed crystalline property, having lattice fringes of 0.2 nm. Uniform and dense distribution was observed during its deposition process on filter paper. Both functional groups and mineralogical phases present in the MOF were also imparted to the immobilized filter paper. Uptake of fluoride by MOF cloth was governed by monolayer adsorption, as evident from Langmuir isotherm analysis. Uptake capacity increased with temperature and the highest one was recorded at 318 K. Prepared MOF cloth was subjected to dynamic studies via glass-funnel based filtration, where, effects of pH, coexisting ions including an organic pollutant and real-life feed were carried out. Regeneration of the MOF cloth was also studied for four cycles. Leaching study was performed at different time intervals. Finally, comparison was made with different conventional MOF based adsorbents and it was observed that this cloth can be an adaptable and pollution free medium for defluoridation applications.
Application of composite membrane-based technology in treatment of textile industry effluents
(Springer, 2025-02) Chatterjee, Somak
Technological innovations have repeatedly made our lives easier over the centuries. Supplies have increased manifold to compete with growing consumer demands. For example, textile industries serve untired to meet the expectations of their end-user by gradually increasing the production. It is mainly characterized by fabric, which essentially starts with fibers, that is processed into making yarns and finally combined. These intermediate steps in a textile plant require huge quantity of freshwater feed, which is eventually converted to an effluent, containing colouring dyes, toxic chemicals and insoluble wastes. Additionally, functional textiles require water-repellent, anti-fungal agents and non-crease fabrics, which are persistent contaminants, thereby adding to environmental degradation. Conventional treatment methods, such as, adsorption, coagulation, oxidation, etc., are employed for their removal. However, these methods have associated limitations. This chapter discusses about a novel approach, i.e., composite membrane-based removal technique, which can prove to be an economic and feasible option for treatment of textile effluents.
Application of novel, low-cost, laterite-based adsorbent for removal of lead from water: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies
(Taylor & Francis, 2015-04-25) Chatterjee, Somak
Contamination of groundwater by carcinogenic heavy metal, e.g., lead is an important issue and possibility of using a natural rock, laterite, is explored in this work to mitigate this problem. Treated laterite (TL- prepared using hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide) was successfully utilized for this purpose. The adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to highlight its physical and chemical properties. Optimized equilibrium conditions were 1 g L−1 adsorbent concentration, 0.26 mm size and a pH of 7 ± 0.2. Monolayer adsorption capacity of lead on treated laterite was 15 mg/g, 14.5 and 13 mg g−1 at temperatures of 303 K, 313 K and 323 K, respectively. The adsorption was exothermic and physical in nature. At 303 K, value of effective diffusivity of (De) and mass transfer co-efficient (Kf) of lead onto TL were 6.5 × 10−10 m2/s and 3.3 × 10−4 m/s, respectively (solved from shrinking core model of adsorption kinetics). Magnesium and sulphate show highest interference effect on the adsorption of lead by TL. Efficacy of the adsorbent has been verified using real-life contaminated groundwater. Thus, this work demonstrates performance of a cost-effective media for lead removal.
Carbonaceous catalysts (biochar and activated carbon) from agricultural residues and their application in production of biodiesel: A review
(Elsevier, 2024-03) Chatterjee, Somak; Roy, Banasri
Carbonaceous catalysts obtained from agricultural residue could have potential in the production of biofuels such as biodiesel. This review paper discusses the preparation conditions (temperature, heating rate, hold time, inert gas flow rate, etc play key roles in development of textural characteristics of the catalysts) and functionalization methods of biochar and activated carbon derived from agricultural residues and their application to produce biodiesel. Research works reported in achieving maximum yield of biodiesel in terms of variable precursors, alcohol-to-oil ratio, reaction time and temperatures have been profoundly tabulated. Effect of textural properties of the biochar and activated carbon (such as surface area, total pore volume, average pore size, and functional group attached with the catalyst) on the biodiesel yield are examined. Studies on Regeneration and reusing of the spent catalysts are carefully inspected. The economic evaluation studies for the biochar and activated carbon and the applications of these for biodiesel production are scrutinized. Finally, the strategies to increase biomass and catalyst productivity, future prospect and research directions to enhance biofuel/biodiesel production and for the development of biochar and activated carbon from agricultural residues for sustainable biodiesel production is suggested.
Chelating polyacrylonitrile beads for removal of lead and cadmium from wastewater
(Elsiever, 2018-03) Chatterjee, Somak
Chelating polyacrylonitrile beads were prepared using phase inversion of polymeric drops in water bath, followed by treatment in sodium hydroxide solution. Applicability of these beads was tested to remove lead and cadmium from contaminated stream. The uptake capacity was 145 mg/g for lead and 156 mg/g for cadmium. Morphology showed that the porosity of the beads decreased upon treatment. Rapid weight loss was noticed in the range of 266–568 °C, during thermal analysis. Infrared studies showed that the nitrile group was rearranged to carboxyl and amine group due to hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile beads, attracting the heavy metals electrostatically. Maximum removal of lead and cadmium was obtained at 5 g/L and neutral pH. Adsorption was exothermic and chemisorption in nature. Adsorption kinetics showed that the equilibrium was achieved within 600 min. The uptake capacity of individual heavy metals, i.e., lead and cadmium was reduced in multicomponent mixture due to competitive adsorption. Maximum desorption was obtained at acidic pH and the regenerated beads were successfully used for three cycles. The prepared beads were also tested using battery industry effluent, from Exide Industries Ltd., Haldia, West Bengal, India.
Defluoridation using novel chemically treated carbonized bone meal: batch and dynamic performance with scale-up studies
(Springer, 2018-04-25) Chatterjee, Somak
Novel defluoridating adsorbent was synthesized by chemical treatment of carbonized bone meal using aluminum sulfate and calcium oxide. Precursor for chemical treatment was prepared by partial carbonization of raw bone meal at 550 °C for 4 h. Maximum fluoride removal capacity was 150 mg/g when carbonized bone meal (100 g/L) was treated with aluminum sulfate (500 g/L) and calcium oxide (15 g/L). Morphological analysis revealed formation of a coating layer consisting of aluminum compounds on the precursor surface. This was verified by stretching frequency of aluminum hydroxide (602 cm−1) in the infrared spectra. Presence of hydroxylapatite (2θ = 30° and 2θ = 24°) and aluminum mineral phases (2θ = 44°) in the adsorbent were identified from the X-ray diffractograms. Adsorption capacity decreased from 150 mg/g (30 °C) to 120 mg/g (50 °C) indicating exothermic adsorption. Adsorption experiments under batch kinetic mode were simulated using shrinking core model. Effective fluoride diffusivity in the adsorbent and the mass transfer coefficient were estimated as 5.8 × 10−12 m2/s and 9 × 10−4 m/s, respectively. Desorption was maximum at basic pH and desorption efficiency was decreased by 31% after third cycle. Dynamic filtration with artificially fluoride-spiked solution showed that the empty bed contact time for a packed column with equal weight of carbonized and chemically treated adsorbent was 4.7 min and number of bed volumes treated (till WHO limit of 1.5 mg/L) was 340 for a column of 3-cm diameter and 18-cm length. The system was successfully tested using contaminated groundwater from an affected area. Fixed-bed column experiments were simulated from the first principles using convective pore diffusion-adsorption model for both synthetic solution and contaminated groundwater. Axial dispersion coefficient was found to be one order of magnitude less than the pore diffusivity indicating dominance of fluoride diffusion within porous network of adsorbent. The developed adsorbent exhibited antibacterial property as well.
Design and scaling up of fixed bed adsorption columns for lead removal by treated laterite
(Elsiever, 2018-03-10) Chatterjee, Somak
Laterite (rocky soil, rich in iron and aluminium) was treated using hydrochloric acid (6 M) and sodium hydroxide (4 M) to increase its uptake capacity for lead species present in water. Process parameters, like, bed depth, flow rate and feed concentration of lead were varied and the corresponding changes in outlet concentration were observed. The depth of mass transfer zone was increased from 1.4 cm to 2.2 cm as bed volume increases from 39 cm3 to 137 cm3. Total lead removal efficiency of the bed was increased from 68% to 74% for the same increase in bed volume. Increase in inlet flow rate from 10 ml/min to 20 ml/min decreased the interaction time between adsorbent and adsorbate, resulting in marginal reduction of adsorbed amount (2.5 mg/g to 2 mg/g). However, the extent of adsorption was increased from 2.5 mg/g to 5.4 mg/g as inlet concentration increases from 3 mg/L to 15 mg/L due to enhanced driving force. Delayed breakthrough was observed for higher bed depth, while faster breakthrough was achieved for enhanced flow rate and inlet concentration. Efficiency of various fixed bed models (Adams-Bohart, Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and pore diffusion-adsorption model) was tested. Analysis for scaling up was also provided to observe the filter performance at a higher throughput. Performance of the filter using lead spiked pond water was also assessed.
Effect of different operating conditions in cloud point assisted extraction of thymol from Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi L.) seeds and recovery using solvent
(Springer, 2017-10-09) Chatterjee, Somak
Cloud point assisted extraction of thymol from water extract of Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi L.) seeds has been reported. Effects of different operating conditions, i.e., concentration of surfactant, heating time and temperature in extraction efficiency were investigated. It was observed that maximum extraction efficiency of thymol was achieved with 30% (v/v) of SPAN 80 surfactant, 45 min of heating at 65 °C. Recovery of thymol from the surfactant complex was optimal at 1:3 coacervate phase to solvent (acetone) volume ratio. A semi-empirical correlation was proposed at the optimum time to predict the concentration of surfactant and temperature required for a desired yield.
Graphene oxide-iron oxide based thin film nanocomposite membrane for congo red dye removal and simultaneous salt recovery from aqueous stream
(Springer Nature, 2025-11) Roy, Banasri; Chatterjee, Somak
Current work focusses on the synthesis of iron oxide impregnated-graphene oxide incorporated polyvinylidene fluoride based thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane and its application in Congo Red dye removal. Interfacial polymerization with 0.02 wt% graphene oxide significantly improved performance of prepared TFN membranes, achieving over 94% rejection of dye with permeability of 3.6 l/m2·h·bar. Testing performance of the membrane was further validated in the presence of real-life feed wastewater, showing 72% dye rejection over 12 h, while an enhanced 94% rejection was achieved with synthetic dye solution. Superior performance was observed in removal of dissolved solids, conductivity, salinity, nitrate, sulfate and dyes compared to commercial nanofiltration membranes. Effect of different operating conditions on membrane performance were examined, confirming its robust nature. Comprehensive characterization of prepared membrane revealed its superiority in texture and chemical nature. Optimized TFN membrane demonstrated recovery efficiency of 70% for sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate solutions, indicating its potential for desalination approach. Thermal regeneration and long-term filtration studies were conducted to evaluate membrane’s lifespan, indicating long-term durability and effectiveness in industrial applications. Studies also indicated weight loss of 62% over two months, which corroborated biodegradable nature of the membrane samples after exhaustion.
Groundwater defluoridation and disinfection using carbonized bone meal impregnated polysulfone mixed matrix hollow-fiber membranes
(Elsiever, 2020-02) Chatterjee, Somak
Defluoridation and disinfection of groundwater have been attempted in this study, using carbonized bone meal (CBM) impregnated polysulfone based mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane. The membranes were characterized in terms of permeability, hydrophilicity, molecular weight cut off for different CBM concentrations. The membrane permeability was decreased from 5 × 10−10 m/Pa.s (without CBM) to 2.8 × 10-11 m/Pa.s with addition of 15 wt% CBM. Corresponding reduction in molecular weight cut off was from 85 kDa to 23 kDa. Variation of such properties were corroborated by the scanning electron micrographs of the prepared membranes that showed the membrane morphology became dense due to CBM addition in the polymer matrix. However, membrane hydrophilicity became more pronounced. In addition, the surface roughness of the prepared membranes was increased facilitating the adsorptive properties. The maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of the hollow fibers with 15 wt% CBM was observed to be 5 mg/g. Breakthrough studies were conducted for the membranes in cross flow filtration mode that showed a fresh membrane (area: 0.029 m2) can filter fluoride contaminated feed solution successfully for 24 h and 19 h, for the first and second regeneration cycles. For a real-life groundwater feed solution, the breakthrough time was observed to be 18 h. The bacterial concentration in the filtrate samples was found to be 0 CFU/ml, highlighting the antibacterial property of the prepared membranes.
Iron terephthalate MOF-MWCNTs based composite paste two-electrode system for selective detection of lead in contaminated stream
(Elsevier, 2024-10) Chatterjee, Somak
A composite paste combining iron terephthalate metal-organic framework (MOF-235) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was synthesized for potentiometric lead detection in aqueous solutions. Synthesis yielded a homogeneous and well-dispersed composite by blending MOF/CNT with silicon oil as a binder. This novel material combination of materials has been explored for the first time focussing more into potentiometric and electrochemical lead detection with various control settings, including MOF concentration, electrolyte pH, temperature, electrode spacing and saturation time as well as real-life water analysis. Optimal sensor was selected for electrochemical studies, including, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and differential pulse voltammetry for analysis of various electrode configuration and effect of scan rates on peak currents. Amperometric studies assessed the impact of interfering ions, while leachate solution analysis determined the content of different ions from modified electrodes. Linear behaviour of peak current with scan rates indicated adsorption-controlled kinetics. ECSA for unmodified and modified electrodes were 0.033 cm² and 0.053 cm², with surface coverage areas of 8.5 mM cm−2 and 2.3 mM cm−2. Sensor exhibited a quasi-reversible nature with a sensitivities of 3075.5 mA.cm⁻².mg/l⁻¹ and 226.5 mA.cm⁻².mg/l⁻¹ and detection limits of 0.2 µg/l and 39 µg/l over dynamic ranges. This cost-effective sensor, with a material cost of 1893 INR (22.8 US$) per gram of paste, offers an alternative for lead detection.
Layered double hydroxide based composite core–shell electrospun nanofibers for lead and fluoride filtration from contaminated streams
(RSC, 2025-04) Chatterjee, Somak
Coaxial electrospinning was used to synthesize polyacrylonitrile–polyethersulfone (PAN–PES) core–shell nanofibers with magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide (Mg–Al LDH) for filtration of lead and fluoride from contaminated streams. Fiber geometry was characterized at a 0.5 mL h−1 flow rate for the core polymer (PES/LDH) and 0.8 mL h−1 flow rate for the shell polymer (PAN), with a potential of 23 kV and a distance of 15–17 cm between the collector and the needle head. A homogeneous fiber shape was achieved using an optimal LDH concentration of 0.7%. The prepared nanofibers served as an ultrafiltration membrane with a permeability of 5 × 10−12 m s−1 Pa−1. The uptake capacity of the produced nanofibers for fluoride and lead was estimated to be 948 mg g−1 and 196 mg g−1, respectively at 298 K as per Langmuir's isotherm model. These fibers exhibited hydrophilic properties and possessed a significant level of porosity. XPS study revealed binding energies of 139.3 eV and 685.2 eV, indicating lead and fluoride uptake by the nanofibers. Ether, sulfone, hydroxyl and nitrile groups found in the nanofibers' shell and core most likely contributed to the lead and fluoride uptake. This facilitated the uptake of both ions on the surface of the nanofibers. In terms of the inhibition effect, fluoride had a stronger masking effect compared with lead in a multicomponent solution (consisting of lead and fluoride). Dynamic vacuum filtration was also investigated using the prepared nanofibers in artificial and real-life feed solutions.
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles-cellulose acetate based composite beads for lead uptake from contaminated stream: Experimental and DFT based study
(Elsevier, 2026-02) Garg, Mohit; Chatterjee, Somak
Groundwater, a primary source of drinking water, is becoming increasingly contaminated with toxic heavy metals, particularly lead. The unregulated discharge of industrial effluents into water bodies further exacerbates the problem. Accordingly, an effective system is required to treat these pollutants. Although there are existing solutions with certain challenges, this study aims to develop efficient composite polymeric beads composed of cellulose acetate and magnesium oxide nanoparticles for effective removal of lead from contaminated water. Prepared beads were spherical, synthesized by the phase inversion of polymer solution with the help of a needle-syringe assembly. As-prepared beads were characterized based on its morphological and chemical characteristics, revealing porous texture with considerable crystallinity. Presence of Pbsingle bondO bond in FTIR spectra post lead adsorption highlighted synergy between lead ions and Mgsingle bondOH groups. Uptake mechanism involved the substitution of hydrogen ions by lead ions, resulting in the formation of stable Mgsingle bondOsingle bondPb complexes. This was facilitated by lead's lower electronegativity in contaminated water. Lead uptake by composite beads was governed by monolayer adsorption as evident from isotherm studies. A maximum uptake capacity of 500 mg/g was observed at 298 K, which increased to 600 mg/g at 318 K. Optimum dosage of 1 g/l was identified as ideal for achieving equilibrium conditions. Thermodynamic parameters confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Regeneration studies showed effective reusability up to two cycles, after which the removal capacity reached saturation. Isoelectric point was obtained at a pH value of 9.7. Presence of MgO helped in stabilising lead ions and prevented precipitate formation in alkaline medium, providing a minor reduction in lead removal, as compared to conventional adsorbents. Furthermore, Density functional theory (DFT) based simulation was performed suggesting collective indication of consistent trends, with both approaches converging towards the same adsorption behaviour and Pbsingle bondO interaction patterns.
Multi-walled carbon nanotube-functional ionophore based composite potentiometric sensor for selective detection of lead in water
(Elsevier, 2024-10) Etika, Krishna Chitanya; Chatterjee, Somak
Novel carbonized bone meal for defluoridation of groundwater: Batch and column study
(Taylor & Francis, 2018-04-13) Chatterjee, Somak
Low cost naturally available bone meal was carbonized and its fluoride adsorption capacity was explored. Carbonized bone meal (CBM) produced at 550°C, 4 h carbonization time and a heating rate of 60°C/min, showed fluoride adsorption capacity of 14 mg g−1. Adsorbent was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluoroscence, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to highlight its physical and chemical properties. Best fluoride uptake capacity was observed for 0.2 mm particle size, 7 g L−1 adsorbent concentration and at pH 6.5. Fluoride uptake was endothermic and chemisorption in nature. Effective diffusivity and mass transfer coefficient were obtained as 6 × 10−11 m2 s−1 and 9 × 10−5 m s−1 from shrinking core model. Sulphate and carbonate showed the highest interference effect on adsorption of fluoride by CBM. Maximum desorption was observed at basic pH (pH 12). Fixed bed study was performed and effect of different parameters (bed height, inlet flow rate and initial concentration) was investigated. Efficiency of the adsorbent using real life fluoride contaminated groundwater solution was also observed.