Arsenic Removal from Aqueous Solutions Using Coconut Fiber (Cocos nucifera): A Brief Review

Cris L. B. S. Lima; Luiz A. M. Pontes; Valfredo A. Lemos; Sérgio L. C. Ferreira; Leonardo S. G. Teixeira

doi:10.53941/eesus.2026.100006

Abstract

Arsenic is a highly toxic element found in liquid effluents and can pose serious health and environmental risks. Conversely, coconut fiber, an abundant byproduct of the agrifood industry, has strong potential as an adsorbent for removing arsenic from water. Its lignocellulosic structure, which includes cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and functional groups such as hydroxyls and carbonyls, enhances interactions with various arsenic species. Research indicates that both raw fiber and chemically treated fiber, using methods such as acid, alkali, biochar conversion, or metal/oxide impregnation, can remove contaminants like dyes, heavy metals, and arsenic. This review shows that chemical treatments significantly improve adsorption efficiency, reaching up to 99% arsenic removal, whereas raw fibers typically achieve less than 25%. Factors such as pH, temperature, and contact time directly influence process effectiveness, with neutral or slightly acidic pH and temperatures near room temperature being ideal for better removal. Kinetic and isotherm models, including the Langmuir and the Freundlich models, help elucidate adsorption mechanisms and estimate the maximum biosorbent capacity. Additionally, coconut fiber can be regenerated and reused after adsorption and desorption cycles, making the process potentially sustainable and cost-effective. Despite promising results with synthetic solutions, challenges remain for real-world applications, such as in industrial effluents and groundwater, due to the presence of competing ions and organic matter. Developing technologies based on coconut fiber promotes the valorization of agro-industrial waste, supports green chemistry and the circular economy by enabling the reuse of low-cost, abundant materials, minimizes environmental impacts, and fosters sustainable treatment of arsenic-contaminated water.

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