Abstract
Ph.D. (Chemistry)
Phosphorus in the form of phosphate needs to be removed from the aqueous environment as it is primarily responsible for eutrophication of water bodies. In an attempt to limit the discharged of phosphorus into the aqueous environment, the phosphate discharge limits for wastewater treatment plants have been decreased. These limits are not easily or economically met by current phosphorus removal technologies. In addition phosphorus is a non-renewable resource. To ensure the ongoing quality of water bodies and security of food production it is vital that phosphate in water be removed and recovered. In order to address these issues, novel hybrid metal oxide ion exchange resins based on Fe(III), Cu(II), Mn(IV and Ti(IV) oxides have been prepared and their phosphate adsorption characteristics determined.