The potential of a natural clay mineral (NSU clay) for the adsorption of lead
(ii) ions from aqueous stream

Etukudoh A. B.; Akpomie K. G.; Obi N. D.; Chimezie P. E.; Agbo A. E.

Abstract

The potential of a natural clay mineral (NSU clay) for the adsorption of lead (ii) ions from aqueous stream

Author(s): Etukudoh A. B., Akpomie K. G., Obi N. D., Chimezie P. E. and Agbo A. E.

The adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution on Nsu clay as an adsorbent was determined. The aim of the study was the utilization of Nsu clay as a cheap alternative adsorbent for the removal of Pb(II) ions from industrial wastewaters, this is to help reduce the high cost involved in using traditional methods to treat effluents. The experiment was performed using batch technique. The batch adsorption study was carried out as a function of initial solution pH, contact time and initial Pb(II) concentration. An increase in adsorption with increase in pH was obtained. The adsorption process was found to be rapid as equilibrium was attained within 50 minutes. The result showed an increase in adsorption capacity with increase in Pb(II) concentration, although the actual percentage removal showed a decrease with increase in concentration. Among the three isotherms tested, the Langmuir isotherm gave the best fit with regression, R2 value of (0.969) followed by the Freundlich isotherm, (0.948) and then the Dubinin-Radushkevich, (0.945). Although the isotherms studied were each appropriate in the description of the adsorption data. The constant b obtained from the Langmuir isotherm indicated a high affinity of Nsu clay for Pb(II) ions. The value of the apparent energy of adsorption, E, (100 kJ/mol) showed that the process is mainly particle diffusion controlled. These results suggested the applicability of Nsu clay as a low-cost adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution.

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