Mechanism of Nitrogen Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Natural Scoria

The efficiencies and mechanisms of nitrogen removal from groundwater by scoria were studied. When NH4+-N concentration was 0.5-10 mg/L, the removal was 96-89%. When NO2--N concentration was 0.1-5mg/L, the removal as 93-85%. When NO3--N concentrationwas 30-150 mg/L, the removal was 85-70%. Additionally, van der Waals forces had a positive impact on the adsorption, which promoted NH4+-N adsorption. Ion exchange and dissolution did not exist. Functional groups of N-H, C-H, and C-N changed after adsorption. Overall, this study indicates that scoria is an ecologically friendly and safe material that can be utilized for groundwater purification to treat nitrogen-contaminated water.