Phosphorus immobilization in water and sediment using iron-based materials: A review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2021-05, Vol.767, p.144246-144246, Article 144246
• Main Authors: Wang, Qipeng, Liao, Zaiyi, Yao, Dongxin, Yang, Zhengjian, Wu, Yonghong, Tang, Cilai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption mechanism; Iron-based materials; Phosphorus; Sediment; Water bodies
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144246

As an essential element for life, phosphorus (P) is very important for organisms. However, excessive P in water and sediment can cause eutrophication, which poses a potential risk to drinking water safety and the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, effective phosphorus-control in water and sediment is the key strategy to control eutrophication. Iron-based materials exhibit high efficiency for P immobilization due to their strong affinity with P, low cost, easy availability, and environmentally friendliness. They are promising materials for controlling P in application. This work comprehensively summarizes the recent advances on P immobilization in water and sediment by different iron-based materials, including iron (hydr)oxides, iron salts, zero-valent iron and iron-loaded materials. This review is focused on the mechanism of the processes and how they are impacted by major influencing factors. The combination of iron-containing materials with other assisting materials is a good strategy to enhance P-fixation efficiency and selectivity. Finally, the current challenges and prospects of P-control technologies based on iron-containing materials are proposed. This review provides a systemic theoretical and experimental foundation for P-immobilization in water and sediment using iron-based materials. [Display omitted] •Iron-based materials are relative low cost, easy availability, and environmentally friendliness.•Iron-based materials exhibit high efficiency in P control in water and sediment.•The main influencing factors on P-fixation by different iron-based materials are summarized.•Adsorption, ligand exchange, precipitation and coprecipitation are the main pathways for P fixation.•Combined with some specific materials can significantly improve P-fixation efficiency and selectivity.