Materials for phosphorous remediation: a review

Phosphorous (P) has been a component causing eutrophication of the water bodies. Adsorption has been broadly acknowledged as one of the best techniques for phosphate elimination and retrieval. Commonly used materials for adsorption of P have shown low removal capacity, creating the need to explore more efficient adsorbents. The present work aims to discuss recent developments and application of varied materials for adsorption of P. These materials (natural, artificial, and waste materials) have shown removal efficiencies ranging from 33% to 99.9% for P sorption. Some materials have shown adsorption greater than 90% like 99.9% (Zirconium-pillared bentonite clay), 96% (Iron scraps), 99% (Thermally treated Opoka), 90% (Biomass bottom ash), and 96.2% (Salted duck eggshells. The feasibility of recovery of P from saturated materials has been discussed along with the possibility of reuse of adsorbents after desorption, for alignment with the circular economy.