Allophane nanoclay for the removal of phosphorus in water and wastewater

We have assessed the capacity of an allophane nanoclay to take up phosphorus (P) from aqueous solutions and meatwork effluent. The data of adsorption in aqueous solutions were fitted to the Freundlich equation: q (g/kg) ¼ 5.620C(mg/L)0.264. The nanoclay effectively removed P from a wide range of concentrations at high solution/nanoclay ratios. This finding together with the low cost and environmentally friendly nature of allophane make this material a superior candidate for the remediation of eutrophic water and the treatment of P-rich effluent and sewage. An added advantage is that allophane does not disperse in water, and hence can be recovered after use.