Abstract:
In this study, removal of nitrate from aqueous solutions was investigated using an anion exchange resin, Purolite A-520E. The
influence of several experimental parameters, such as initial solution pH, resin dosage, phase contact time, initial concentration of
nitrate ions from aqueous solution, and temperature, has been examined in batch experiments. The results of this investigation
reveal that the ion exchange process is favored at the initial solution pH (around) 6.8. The resin studied can be used at ambient
temperature, use of high temperature not being economically profitable. The experimental results showed that, for relatively low
concentrations of nitrate (50 mg/L), and a dose of resin of 6 g resin/L, a retention in nitrate content of about 83 % is achieved in
180 min. FTIR spectra for anionic exchange resins samples before and after removal of nitrates ions were use to show conclusive
evidence for ion exchange process. Purolite A-520E resin can be used for waters with both low and high concentrations of nitrates
and can be applied more widely and economically for nitrate removal in small-scale water suppliers.