Open Access

This study investigates the hybrid integration of adsorption and microfiltration for arsenic removal from water, combining ferric oxyhydroxide adsorbents (Ferrosorp DGp and DG⁺) with polymeric membranes (UPS-150, Novamem, and 1FM 3M). Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using arsenate solutions of varying concentrations and contact times to assess the equilibrium uptake behaviour of both adsorbents. Results demonstrated that Ferrosorp DGp exhibited a higher maximum adsorption capacity and stronger surface affinity for As(V), whereas Ferrosorp DG⁺ showed faster kinetics consistent with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption dominance. Complementary membrane filtration tests were performed in a dead-end stirred cell under three conditions—pure water, Oxide with Stirring, and Oxide without Stirring—at a constant transmembrane pressure of 200 mbar. The study revealed that stirring markedly reduced fouling and enhanced flux stability, while non-stirred operation caused permeability declines depending on membrane and oxide type. Among the membranes tested, 1FM 3M displayed the highest intrinsic permeability and strongest resistance to fouling, followed by UPS-150 and Novamem. The integration of adsorption and microfiltration demonstrated that Ferrosorp DGp ensures effective arsenate removal, while 1FM 3M offers superior hydraulic performance, making this combination the most promising for decentralized, low-pressure treatment applications. The results confirm that coupling adsorption with microfiltration provides a sustainable, energy-efficient pathway for producing low-arsenic, low-turbidity water compliant with WHO and EU drinking-water standards.