Lanthanum-based materials for adsorptive removal of phosphate

Recent decades have shown tremendous developments in lanthanum (III)-based materials (LM) for environmental remediation, including phosphate control. A literature survey shows that the phosphate removal mechanism by LM and potential environmental impacts of lanthanum remain unclear. La-based materials have gained tremendous attention due to their environmental harmlessness and high adsorption property, especially for phosphate. Removal of phosphate is a difficult step in controlling eutrophication and water pollution. This chapter presents the advances in lanthanum-based nanoadsorbent preparations and their utilization for wastewater treatment, especially for efficient removal of phosphate. The chapter covers the preparation strategies, characterization, and removal mechanisms. Also, evaluation efficacy of LMs using batch, column, and reactor methods are covered. Finally, the recent literature on LM for phosphate removal is discussed. The results conclude that lanthanum-based adsorbents are well-performing and commercially viable materials for wastewater treatment, mainly for the removal of anionic pollutants.