Evaluating the Application and Reusability of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Arsenic Removal

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained significant attention for their potential in environmental remediation, particularly for heavy metal removal. This study evaluated two MOF variants, iron BTC (Fe-BTC) and iron-copper BTC (Fe-Cu-BTC), for their effectiveness in removing arsenic from contaminated water. The first experiment investigated the arsenic adsorption capacity of varying dosages of Fe-BTC and Fe-Cu-BTC powders, ranging from 0.5 mg to 10 mg. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis confirmed that arsenic removal occurred under all conditions, with Fe-BTC exhibiting superior performance. The highest arsenic removal efficiency was observed with Fe-BTC at 9 mg, making it the optimal dosage for further study. Building upon these findings, a reuse study was conducted to assess the recyclability of Fe-BTC. Due to the limited reusability of 9 mg, the dosage was increased to 30 mg, and the material was tested over three reuse cycles. Additionally, the effectiveness of ethanol versus methanol as a washing solvent between reuse cycles was evaluated. The results provided insights into the sustainability of Fe-BTC as an arsenic adsorbent and the influence of solvent choice on its performance. This research contributes to the understanding of MOF-based arsenic removal strategies and highlights the potential for Fe-BTC in water treatment applications.