Boron Removal Techniques in Aqueous Solutions
Summary
Boron, present predominantly as boric acid in most natural waters, poses a dual challenge: it is an essential micronutrient at low concentrations yet toxic to plants, animals and humans beyond narrow thresholds. Its small ionic radius and high hydration energy hinder straightforward removal. Established approaches fall into several categories. Adsorption methods employ tailored sorbents—metal oxides, layered double hydroxides, functionalised polymers and bio-based matrices—to capture boron via surface interactions. Ion exchange exploits selective resins bearing chelating groups to exchange borate species under controlled pH. Membrane processes, notably reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, achieve high boron rejection but often incur elevated energy costs and fouling. Chemical precipitation and coagulation can remove boron by converting it into insoluble complexes, though they require stringent pH adjustment and generate sludge. Extraction techniques rely on organophosphorus or polyol reagents to form extractable esters. Hybrid systems that integrate two or more mechanisms seek to balance efficiency, energy demand and operational simplicity. Emerging materials such as functional membranes with polyhydroxy surfaces, magnetic nanocomposites and biosorbents are improving capacity, selectivity and reusability. Globally, boron removal underpins safe irrigation in arid regions, treatment of geothermal fluids and purification of industrial effluents, driving research towards cost-effective, low-energy and environmentally benign solutions.
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Boron Removal Techniques in Aqueous Solutions publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in boron removal techniques in aqueous solutions across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Adsorption: Accumulation of dissolved species on the surface of a solid sorbent via physical or chemical interactions.
Ion exchange resin: A polymeric material bearing charged functional groups that selectively replace target ions in solution.
Membrane processes: Pressure-driven separation using semi-permeable films to reject solutes based on size or charge.
Chelation: Formation of stable complexes between a multidentate ligand and a metal or metalloid species.
Boric acid speciation: Distribution of boron species (e.g., H3BO3, B(OH)4–) in aqueous solution as a function of pH.
Hybrid system: A treatment approach combining two or more removal mechanisms to enhance overall performance.
References
- An updated review on boron removal from water through adsorption processes. Emergent Materials (2021).
- Recovery of Boron from Underground Brine by Continuous Centrifugal Extraction with 2‐Ethyl‐1,3‐hexanediol (EHD) and Its Mechanism. Journal of Chemistry (2018).
- Boron in geothermal energy: Sources, environmental impacts, and management in geothermal fluid. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2022).
- Advances in Technologies for Boron Removal from Water: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).
- Ion Exchange Resins to Reduce Boron in Desalinated Seawater for Irrigation in Southeastern Spain. Agronomy (2022).
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