Removal of heavy metals from groundwater using silica/activated carbon composite

Contaminant monitoring is critical for ensuring the safety of drinking water. This work aimed to study the physicochemical characteristics of five wells used as water resources in the Al-Jouf region (Guara, Tabarjal, Skaka, Dumah Al Jandal, and Alakait), Saudi Arabia. The study extended to investigate the treatment of the contaminated water wells. The physicochemical characteristics include pH, conductivity, turbidity, and some selected heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, lead, and arsenic). The quality of the treated wells' water was correlated with the guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Saudi Arabia's standards. The results indicated that the concentrations of the measured heavy metals were higher than the National Standards of Saudi Arabia and that recommended by the EPA and WHO. The capacity of activated carbon (AC) combined with silica (silica/AC) and AC composite as adsorbents for the removal of the selected heavy adsorption. The silica/AC ratio was 2:3, respectively. The silica/AC was more efficient than active carbon in removing the selected heavy metals. Scanning electron microscope photos were taken for the adsorbents used for the removal of toxic metals. This work concluded that the use of silica/AC composite is a promising technique for the treatment of contaminated water wells.