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Annnals of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Thermally Modified MgAl LDH A Powerful Solution for Chromium Contamination in Water

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by

Vishnu
in

Introduction

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination in water remains one of the most alarming environmental challenges today, especially due to industrial activities such as electroplating, mining, and leather tanning. This study explores how thermally treated MgAl Layered Double Hydroxide (MgAl-LDH) significantly enhances chromium adsorption efficiencyoffering a promising, cost-effective solution for cleaner water systems.
To explore more civil and environmental engineering innovations, visit https://www.civilenvironjournal.com/index.php/acee for cutting-edge research in this field.

Understanding the Study How MgAl-LDH Works

Researchers synthesized MgAl-LDH using a co-precipitation method and evaluated how thermal treatment at 220°C and 450°C affects its chromium adsorption potential.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), permissible chromium levels in drinking water must not exceed 0.05 mg/L due to its severe toxic effects, including risks to the skin, liver, kidneys, and respiratory system.

Key Findings

  • Thermal treatment significantly transforms LDH structure, improving adsorption behavior.
  • Untreated MgAl-LDH showed a chromium adsorption capacity of 12.56 mg/g.
  • At 220°C, adsorption remained similar at 11.01 mg/g.
  • At 450°C, adsorption dramatically increased to 88.07 mg/g, due to structural “memory effects” that restore active sites upon contact with water.

Read the full study at the official
https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.acee.1001001

Structural Changes and Adsorption Performance (H2)

Thermal treatment alters the LDH’s surface and interlayer chemistry. When heated:

  • 220°C causes dehydration and partial structural shrinkage.
  • 450°C leads to an amorphous mixed oxide formation with high reactivity.
  • Upon rehydration, the material partially reconstructs enhancing chromium trapping efficiency.

Why This Matters

As noted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chromium exposure can have long-term health impacts. Technologies that reduce contamination more effectively at low cost play a crucial role in public health protection.

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article which explores adsorption kinetics, pH influence, and structural reformation mechanisms in depth.

Chromium Removal Efficiency Across pH Levels (H2)

The study highlights that chromium adsorption is highly pH-dependent.

  • Best removal efficiency for MgAl-LDH450 occurs at pH 5.0, reaching 108.7 mg/L uptake.
  • MgAl-LDH000 and MgAl-LDH220 showed improved performance under acidic conditions but remained significantly lower in capacity.

Related Reading (H2)

To enhance your understanding of environmental remediation and adsorption technologies, explore these related categories on our website:

  • Advanced Water Treatment Technologies
  • Nanomaterials in Environmental Engineering
  • Heavy Metal Contamination Studies

Visit our journal homepage mid-content for ongoing research developments:
Explore more insights at civilenvironjournal

Why Thermal Treatment Makes a Difference (H2)

Thermal modification improves material performance because:

  • It enhances surface defects that increase adsorption.
  • It transforms LDH into a mixed oxide with a strong capability to rehydrate and recapture anions.
  • It creates nanoscale structural irregularities, boosting chromium retention.

This aligns with guidelines from the American Chemical Society (ACS), which underscores the importance of advanced sorbents for heavy metal removal in sustainable water treatment.

Conclusion (H2)

This study provides strong evidence that thermally treated MgAl-LDH, especially at 450°C, offers a powerful, scalable method for removing chromium from aqueous solutions. Its high adsorption capacity, low cost, and structural reconstruction capabilities make it a promising candidate for future water purification programs.

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Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.

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