Removal of arsenate and ammonia from water by molecularly imprinted polymers

Arsenic and ammonia in ground and surface waters pose significant health risks globally, especially for remote areas where access to safe drinking water is a concern for U.S. military personnel. Current removal materials and methods lack contaminant specificity. This study developed adsorptive resins and membranes specifically targeting arsenate and ammonia removal using molecularly imprinted acrylate polymers supported on graphitic carbon nitride. These materials showed comparable arsenate removal capacity to commercial resins. Higher ammonia removal capacity but lower selectivity was demonstrated by these materials in comparison to commercial resins. This research aims to enhance water treatment materials for ensuring clean drinking water access in remote military locations.