Efficient phosphate removal from water using MgAl layered double oxide: characterization, performance, and mechanism

Abstract BACKGROUND Phosphate contamination in water bodies poses a significant threat to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. In this study, an MgAl layered double oxide (MgAl‐LDO) was synthesized via calcination of MgAl layered double hydroxide for efficient phosphate removal from water. RESULTS MgAl‐LDO exhibited an exceptional adsorption rate of 97% for phosphate and maintained an adsorption efficiency above 60% even after undergoing four regeneration cycles. The properties of MgAl‐LDO were thoroughly analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and automated specific surface area. The adsorption mechanism of MgAl‐LDO was investigated in conjunction with adsorption kinetics and isotherms, and was determined to be ion exchange. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the primary adsorption mechanism of MgAl‐LDO involves an ion‐exchange process. This thesis provides potential value in the treatment of phosphate treatment with MgAl‐LDO. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).