Optimizing Char-Based Filtration Materials for Fluoride Removal from Drinking Water

摘要

There is a global drinking water crisis. Even as the Millennium Development Goal forrndrinking water has been achieved, there are over 780 million people without access tornimproved drinking water sources. Microbial contamination in water is the issue that causesrnthe largest amount of drinking water-related illnesses, but geogenic water issues, such asrnfluoride, arsenic and other chemicals in water are the second key issue reducing access to saferndrinking water. One of the geogenic issues that affects the most people is fluoride, foundrnnaturally occurring in the ground water of many parts of the world, which causes a variety ofrndetrimental health affects. Filtration materials such as bone char and activated alumina havernbeen studied for many years to assess their effectiveness at fluoride removal from drinkingrnwater. However, in many situations these are not the most helpful fluoride removal optionsrndue to costs or cultural issues. Therefore, it is helpful for researchers to continue assessingrnimprovements for these technologies as well as alternative technologies and theirrnimplementation strategies.