Pristine, purified and polyaniline-coated tamarind seed (Tamarindus indica)biomaterial powders for defluoridation: Synergism and enhancement influoride-adsorption by polyaniline coating

Abstract

This study reports defluoridation performed with tamarind seed(TS)(Tamarindus indica) powders. From three types [pristine (PriTS), purified (PurTS) and polyaniline (Pani)] coated (50 and 90% w/w) TS, PriTS and PurTS powders were used in batch mode for adsorption of fluoride ion (F-) (1-10 mg/l solutions). Adsorption capacities (Q) of PriTS 75, 150 and 300 <img src='/image/spc_char/micro.gif' border=0> particles were 10.6, 7.1 and 4.8 mg/g respectively. IR characterization of Pani-loaded TS&nbsp; without/with F- in conjunction with adsorption data demonstrated synergism between Pani 50% and TS components in F- uptake. Thus, with highest Q (10.7 mg/g) and avoidance of leaching, Pani-coated PriTS 50% is most efficient and employable adsorbent for domestic defluoridation.