Highlights HFO had the highest Freundlich model F adsorption capacity among seven adsorbents. Zeta potential data on HFO indicated a specific F adsorption mechanism. Column adsorption data fitted fairly well to Thomas model Thomas model data fit improved by using an artificial neural network approach. NaOH can desorb F, not NaCl and Na2SO4, supporting pH and co-ions’ on effects adsorption. Statement of significance The paper considered all important solution and solid-solution interface properties in determining the mechanism of F adsorption by a powerful adsorbent. The results are useful for surface chemists interested in anion adsorption. The majority of the previous studies were conducted in batch-mode experiments in both batch and column modes, whereas ours’ was the latter being more relevant to real operating systems of water treatment. The results of mathematical modeling of column data are important for designing treatment plants for the removal of F from water and wastewaters.
Highlights HFO had the highest Freundlich model F adsorption capacity among seven adsorbents. Zeta potential data on HFO indicated a specific F adsorption mechanism. Column adsorption data fitted fairly well to Thomas model Thomas model data fit improved by using an artificial neural network approach. NaOH can desorb F, not NaCl and Na2SO4, supporting pH and co-ions’ effects on adsorption. Statement of significance The paper considered all important solution and solid-solution interface properties in determining the mechanism of F adsorption by a powerful adsorbent. The results are useful for surface chemists interested in anion adsorption. The majority of the previous studies were conducted in batch-mode experiments whereas ours’ was in both batch and column modes, the latter being more relevant to real operating systems of water treatment. The results of mathematical modeling of column data are important for designing treatment plants for the removal of F from water and wastewaters.