Sorption of Zn(II) in aqueous solutions by scoria

We conducted kinetic and equilibrium sorption experiments on removal of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions by scoria (a vesicular pyroclastic rock with basaltic composition) from Jeju Island, Korea, in order to examine its potential use as an efficient sorbent. The batch-type kinetic sorption tests under variable conditions indicated that the percentage of Zn(II) removal by scoria increases with decreasing initial Zn(II) concentration, particle size, and sorbate/sorbent ratio. However, the sorption capacity decreases with the decrease of the initial Zn(II) concentration and sorbate/sorbent ratio. Equilibrium sorption tests show that Jeju scoria has a larger capacity and affinity for Zn(II) sorption than commercial powdered activated carbon (PAC); at initial Zn(II) concentrations of more than 10mM, the sorption capacity of Jeju scoria is about 1.5 times higher than that of PAC. The acquired sorption data are better fitted to the Langmuir isotherm than the Freundlich isotherm. Careful examination of ionic concentrations in sorption batches suggests that the sorption behavior is mainly controlled by cation exchange and typically displays characteristics of 'cation sorption'. The Zn(II) removal capacity decreases when solution pH decreases because of the competition with hydrogen ions for sorption sites, while the Zn(II) removal capacity increases under higher pH conditions, likely due to hydroxide precipitation. At an initial Zn(II) concentration of 5.0mM, the removal increases from 70% to 96% with the increase of initial pH from 3.0 to 7.0. We recommend Jeju scoria as an economic and efficient sorbent for Zn(II) in contaminated water.     

Comparative and competitive adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III), and Ni(II) onto coconut charcoal

This study evaluates the behavior of coconut charcoal (AC) to adsorb Cr(VI), As(III), and Ni(II) in mono- and multicomponent (binary and ternary) systems. Batch experiments were carried out for mono- and multicomponent systems with varying metal ion concentrations to investigate the competitive adsorption characteristics. The adsorption kinetics followed the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order equation in both single and binary systems, indicating chemical sorption as the rate-limiting step of adsorption mechanism. Equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption of Cr(VI), As(III), and Ni(II) followed the Langmuir model and maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 5.257, 0.042, and 1.748 mg/g, respectively. In multicomponent system, As(III) and Ni(II) adsorption competed intensely, while Cr(VI) adsorption was much less affected by competition than As(III) and Ni(II). With the presence of Cr(VI), the adsorption capacities of As(III) and Ni(II) on AC were higher than those in single system and the metal sorption followed the order of Ni(II)?>?As(III)?>?Cr(VI). The results from the sequential adsorption–desorption cycles showed that AC adsorbent held good desorption and reusability.     

Reduction of Ag(I), Au(III), Cu(II), and Hg(II) by Fe(II)/Fe(III) hydroxysulfate green rust

Green rusts are mixed Fe(II)/Fe(III) hydroxides that are found in many suboxic environments where they are believed to play a central role in the biogeochemical cycling of iron. X-ray absorption fine structure analysis of hydroxysulfate green rust suspensions spiked with aqueous solutions of AgCH(3)COO, AuCl(n)(OH)(4-n), CuCl(2), or HgCl(2) showed that Ag(I), Au(III), Cu(II), and Hg(II) were readily reduced to Ag(0), Au(0), Cu(0), and Hg(0). Imaging of the resulting solids from the Ag(I)-, Au(III)-, and Cu(II)-amended green rust suspensions by transmission electron microscopy indicated the formation of submicron-sized particles of Ag(0), Au(0), and Cu(0). The facile reduction of Ag(I), Au(III), Cu(II), and Hg(II) to Ag(0), Au(0), Cu(0), and Hg(0), respectively, by green rust suggests that the presence of green rusts in suboxic soils and sediments can have a significant impact on the biogeochemistry of silver, gold, copper, and mercury, particularly with respect to their mobility.     

Parameter optimization of the fungicide (Vapam) sorption onto soil modified with clinoptilolite by Taguchi method

This study employs the Taguchi optimization methodology to optimize the effective parameters for the pesticide (Vapam) sorption onto soil modified with natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). The experimental factors and their ranges chosen for determination of the effective parameters were: initial Vapam concentration (0.4-1.6 mg/L), initial pH of the pesticide solution (2-12), the percentage of clinoptilolite in the modified soil (0-6 %), temperature (15-35°C) and shaking time (2-24 h). The orthogonal array (OA) L(16) and the bigger the better response category of the Taguchi method were selected to determine the optimum conditions: initial Vapam concentration (1.2 mg/L), initial pH of the pesticide solution (2), the percentage of clinoptilolite in the modified soil (4 %), temperature (15°C) and shaking time (2 h). The results showed that in comparison with other parameters, the initial Vapam concentration was the most effective one for the sorption of this pesticide onto soil, modified with clinoptilolite. Moreover, after determining the optimum levels of the sorption process parameters, confirmation experiments were performed to prove the effectiveness of the Taguchi's experimental design methodology.     

Agricultural solid waste for sorption of metal ions: part I—characterization and use of lettuce roots and sugarcane bagasse for Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II), and Mn(II) sorption from aqueous medium

Sugarcane bagasse and hydroponic lettuce roots were used as biosorbents for Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II), and Mn(II) removal from monoelemental solutions in aqueous medium, at pH 5.5, using batch procedures. These biomasses were studied in natura (lettuce roots, NLR, and sugarcane bagasse, NSB) and modified with HNO₃ (lettuce roots, MLR, and sugarcane bagasse, MSB). Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich non-linear isotherm models were used to evaluate the data from the metal ion adsorption assessment. The maximum adsorption capacities (q_max) in monoelemental solution, calculated using the Langmuir isothermal model for Cu(II), Fe(II), Zn(II), and Mn(II), were respectively 24.61, 2.64, 23.04, and 5.92 mg/g for NLR; 2.29, 16.89, 1.97, and 2.88 mg/g for MLR; 0.81, 0.06, 0.83, and 0.46 mg/g for NSB; and 1.35, 2.89, 20.76, and 1.56 mg/g for MSB. The Freundlich n parameter indicated that the adsorption process was favorable for Cu(II) uptake by NLR; Fe(II) retention by MLR and MSB; and Zn(II) sorption by NSB, MLR, and NSB and favorable for all biomasses in the accumulation of Mn(II). The Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm was applied to estimate the energy (E) and type of adsorption process involved, which was found to be a physical one between analytes and adsorbents. Organic groups such as O–H, C–O–C, CH, and C=O were found in the characterization of the biomass by FTIR. In the determination of the biomass surface charges by using blue methylene and red amaranth dyes, there was a predominance of negative charges.     

Parameter optimization of the fungicide (Vapam) sorption onto soil modified with clinoptilolite by Taguchi method

This study employs the Taguchi optimization methodology to optimize the effective parameters for the pesticide (Vapam) sorption onto soil modified with natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). The experimental factors and their ranges chosen for determination of the effective parameters were: initial Vapam concentration (0.4–1.6 mg/L), initial pH of the pesticide solution (2–12), the percentage of clinoptilolite in the modified soil (0–6 %), temperature (15–35°C) and shaking time (2–24 h). The orthogonal array (OA) L₁₆ and the bigger the better response category of the Taguchi method were selected to determine the optimum conditions: initial Vapam concentration (1.2 mg/L), initial pH of the pesticide solution (2), the percentage of clinoptilolite in the modified soil (4 %), temperature (15°C) and shaking time (2 h). The results showed that in comparison with other parameters, the initial Vapam concentration was the most effective one for the sorption of this pesticide onto soil, modified with clinoptilolite. Moreover, after determining the optimum levels of the sorption process parameters, confirmation experiments were performed to prove the effectiveness of the Taguchi's experimental design methodology.     

Effect of pre-treatment and supporting media on Ni(II), Cu(II), Al(III) and Fe(III) sorption by plant root material

In this work Paspalum notatum root material was used to elucidate the influence of acid leaching pre-treatment and of sorption medium on metal adsorption. Ground P. notatum root was leached with 0.14M HNO(3). Leached root material (LRM) and non-leached root material (NLRM) were employed to flow sorption of Ni(II), Cu(II), Al(III) and Fe(III) in 0.5M CH(3)COONH(4) medium at pH 6.5. For LRM the sorption was also studied in 0.5M KNO(3) medium. The acid pre-treatment increased the sorption capacity (SC) for all ions studied. For the KNO(3) medium, Cu(II) and Fe(III) sorption was higher than in CH(3)COONH(4) and the type of the Ni(II) isotherm's model changed. The Freundlich model was the most representative isotherm model to describe metallic ions sorption. The (1)H NMR spectra showed differences between LRM and NLRM and the acid-basic potentiometric titration elucidated that acid-leaching procedure affected the root material sorption sites once only two predominant sorption sites were found for LRM (phenolic and amine, both able cations sorption) and five sorption sites (two carboxylic, amine and two phenolic) were founded for NLRM.     

UraniumVI sorption behavior on silicate mineral mixtures

UraniumVI sorption experiments involving quartz and clinoptilolite, important mineral phases at the proposed US nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV, were conducted to evaluate the ability of surface complexation models to predict UVI sorption onto mineral mixtures based on parameters derived from single-mineral experiments. The experiments were conducted at an initial UVI aqueous concentration of approximately 2.0 x 10(-7) mol.l-1 (0.1 mol.l-1 NaNO3 matrix) and over the pH range approximately 2.5 to approximately 9.5. The UVI solutions were reacted with either quartz or clinoptilolite only, or with mixtures of the two minerals. The experiments were carried out under atmospheric pCO2(g) conditions (in loosely capped containers) or under limited pCO2(g) (in capped containers or in a glove box). Data from sorption experiments on quartz at atmospheric pCO2 conditions were used to derive UVI binding constants for a diffuse-layer surface complexation model (DLM). The DLM was then used with surface area as a scaling factor to predict sorption of UVI onto clinoptilolite and clinoptilolite/quartz mixtures under both atmospheric and low pCO2 conditions. The calculations reproduced many aspects of the pH-dependent sorption behavior. If this approach can be demonstrated for natural mineral assemblages, it may be useful as a relatively simple method for improving radionuclide transport models in performance-assessment calculations.     

Effect of formaldehyde on Cu(II) removal from synthetic complexed solutions by ion exchange

The effect of formaldehyde (HCHO) on the ion exchange of Cu(II) from an equimolar EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, H(4)L) solution with a strong-base Amberlite IRA-400 resin was studied. Experiments were conducted as a function of the initial concentration of Cu(II) (0.5-10 mM), solution pH (1.0-6.0), HCHO concentration (0-6 vol%), and temperature (15-35 degrees C). It was shown that the amount of exchange of Cu(II), which exists in the form of complexed anions CuL(2-), increased with increasing solution pH and reached a plateau at an equilibrium pH (pH(e)) of 3.5. However, the amount of exchange decreased with increasing HCHO concentration up to 3 vol% but then slightly decreased with a further increase in HCHO concentration. Such effect of added HCHO was determined by the following two factors: the competitive exchange of HCOO(-) anions and the enhanced exchange of Cu(I) in the form of complexed anions CuL(3-). The exchange isotherm obtained at a fixed pH(e) could be well described by the Langmuir equation. The isosteric enthalpy change for the present ion exchange process was also evaluated and discussed.     

Biosorption of cadmium(II) and copper(II) ions from aqueous solution by core of Artocarpus odoratissimus

Purpose

This research is on the evaluation of biosorption capability of the core of Artocarpus odoratissimus (Tarap), grown in Brunei Darussalam, towards Cd(II) and Cu(II) ions present in synthetic solutions, and to characterize the surface of Tarap particles.

Methods

Thermogravimetric analysis and surface titrations were conducted to characterize the surface of dried Tarap core particles. Atomic absorption spectroscopic measurements were conducted to determine the extent of removal of Cd(II) and Cu(II) under different experimental conditions.

Results

Mass reductions associated with many exothermic reaction peaks were observed beyond 200°C up to 650°C indicating the combustion of organic matter in Tarap. Dried particles of core of Tarap bear a negative surface charge promoting strong interaction towards positively charged ions, such as Cu(II) and Cd(II). Biosorption of the two metal ions on Tarap, which is relatively high beyond pH?=?4, occurs within a short period of exposure time. The extent of biosorption is enhanced by acid treatment of the biosorbent, and further it does not significantly depend on the presence of nonreacting ions up to an ionic strength of 2.0?M.

Conclusion

Strong attraction between each metal ion and the biosorbent is attributed to the negative surface charge on the biosorbent within a broad pH range. Acid treatment of the biosorbent improves sorption characteristics, suggesting that ion exchange plays an important role in the metal ion??biosorbent interaction process.     

Biosorption characteristics of copper (II), chromium (III), nickel (II), and lead (II) from aqueous solutions by Chara sp. and Cladophora sp.

The aim of this research was to expose individual removals of copper, chromium, nickel, and lead from aqueous solutions via biosorption using nonliving algae species, Chara sp. and Cladophora sp. Optimum pH values for biosorption of copper (II), chromium (III), nickel (II), and lead (II) from aqueous solutions were determined to be 6, 7, 7, and 3 for Cladophora sp. and 5, 3, 5, and 4 for Chara sp. respectively. Maximum adsorption capacities of Chara sp. [10.54 for chromium (III) and 61.72 for lead (II)] and Cladophora sp. [6.59 for chromium (III) and 16.75 and 23.25 for lead (II)] for chromium (III) and lead (II) are similar. On the other hand, copper (II) and nickel (II) biosorption capacity of Cladophora sp. [14.28 for copper (II) and 16.75 for nickel (II)] is greater than Chara sp. [6.506 for copper (II) and 11.76 for nickel (II)]. Significantly high correlation coefficients indicated for the Langmuir adsorption isotherm models can be used to describe the equilibrium behavior of copper, chromium, nickel, and lead adsorption onto Cladophora sp. and Chara sp.     

Thermal and spectroscopic studies on sorption of nickel(II) ion on protonated baker's yeast

Protonated form (Hy) of yeast was subjected to thermal analysis (TGA and DTG) in the temperature range 60–800 °C. Chemically bound water volatilizes around 200 °C and the matrix undergoes extensive oxidative decomposition at 450 °C, the weight loss reaching 75% at 800 °C. The sorption capacity of the matrix for nickel(II) ion increases on heat treatment from 60 to 200 °C (from 16.9 to 25.0 mg/g), but was reduced on heating to higher temperatures at an initial nickel(II) ion concentration of 1200 mg/g. The FTIR spectra of Hy and nickel(II) ion saturated yeast, indicated that biosorption occurs on the sugar and nucleic acid regions, possibly involving –COOH and –NH groups.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of hydroxyapatite for the removal of lead(II) from aqueous solutions

Purpose

This study has the objective to evaluate the lead(II) removal capacity of hydroxyapatite powder synthesized by microwave as an alternative method to decrease production time and cost.

Methods

Hydroxyapatite (HA) was synthesized by a microwave-assisted precipitation method using calcium nitrate and ammonium hydrogen phosphate as calcium and phosphorus sources, respectively. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared results clearly revealed that the resulting powder was HA with high purity and crystallinity. The obtained powder was used for the removal of lead(II) from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, amount of adsorbent, initial lead(II) concentration, and contact time were studied in batch experiments.

Results

In the adsorption experiments, maximum lead(II) retention was obtained at pH 6. Adsorption equilibrium was established after 40 min. It was found that the adsorption of lead(II) on HA was correlated well (R ²?=?0.958) with the Freundlich equation for the concentration range studied. Both ion exchange and adsorption process were thought to exist in the removal process.

Conclusions

This study indicates that easily and rapidly synthesized HA by microwave-assisted precipitation method could be used as an efficient adsorbent for removal of lead(II) from aqueous solutions.     

Lead sorption by a Mexican,clinoptilolite-rich tuff

Goal, Scope and Background The retention of lead by a Mexican, clinoptilolite-rich tuff from Oaxaca (Mexico) at different pH values was evaluated and the lead sorption mechanisms on the zeolitic material in this work were discussed. Methods Isotherms were determined using lead nitrate solutions (initial pH values between 2 and 5) at 303 K. After the equilibrium was reached, the content of lead in the liquid phases was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The elemental composition of the clinoptilolite-rich tuff before and after the lead sorption process was evaluated by electron microscopy. Results The maximum ion exchange capacity of the Mexican, clinoptilolite-rich tuff for lead was 1.4 meq/g at pH 3, considering an ion exchange mechanism in the absence of any precipitated or hydrolyzed lead species in the sorption process or any change in the zeolite network. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were also considered in this work for comparison purposes. Discussion It is important to consider the nature of the sorption processes before choosing a model to describe the interaction between the metal ions and the sorbent. Conclusions The chemical lead speciation, the pH, as well as the characteristics of the clinoptilolite-rich tuff are important factors to be considered on the lead sorption process by natural zeolites. The chemical species involved in that process are Na⁺ from the zeolite and Pb²⁺ from the aqueous solution at pH 2 and 3, so that the ion exchange mechanism explains the lead sorption processes by the clinoptilolite-rich tuff through the ion exchange isotherms. The sodium, Mexican, clinoptilolite-rich tuff is a potential adsorbent for lead from aqueous solutions. Recommendations and Perspectives The natural zeolite-rich tuffs are very important as ion exchangers for the treatment of polluted water due to their sorption properties and low cost. The sorption behavior of each natural material depends on their composition. Mexican, clinoptilolite-rich tuff from Oaxaca (Mexico) could be used for the treatment of waste water contaminated with lead. It would be important to propose this material as an alternative as waste water treatment, because it shows good selectivity for the removal of heavy metals from water.     

Lead removal in fixed-bed columns by zeolite and sepiolite

The removal efficiency of zeolite (clinoptilolite) and sepiolite from lead containing aqueous solutions was investigated. A series of experiments were conducted in batch-wise and fixed-bed columns. Synthetic wastewaters containing lead (50 mg l (-1)) and acetic acid (0.001 N) along with untreated and regenerated clinoptilolites and sepiolites were used in the adsorption studies. Batch tests were mainly conducted to isolate the magnitude of lead precipitation from real adsorption. Adsorption isotherms for both abstraction and adsorption were constructed. The removal of lead is found to be a sum of adsorption induced by ion exchange and precipitation of lead hydroxide. The breakthrough curves were obtained under different conditions by plotting the normalized effluent lead concentration (C/C0) versus bed volume (BV). The ion exchange capacity of sepiolite and clinoptilolite for lead removal showed good performance up to approximately 100 and 120 BV where the C/C0 remained below 0.1, respectively. The lead removal capacity of clinoptilolite bed from wastewater containing only lead yielded 45% higher performance compared to that of acetic acid partly due to a decrease in the effluent pH and consequently in precipitation. Also, the presence of acetic acid in the sepiolite column decreased the bed volumes treated by about 40%. Removal efficiency of lead-acetic system both in untreated clinoptilolite and sepiolite columns was found higher than that in regenerated columns.     

Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution using Dogantepe (Amasya) zeolites

This paper investigates the effects of zeolite particle size, zeolite/ solution ratio and stirring time on the performance of zeolites from Dogantepe in removing Cu(II) from aqueous solution to establish optimum operating conditions. The results indicated that the size of the zeolite samples, the concentration of Cu(II) and the zeolite/solution ratio affected the removal efficiencies, whilst the stirring time was found to have no significant effect on the removal efficiencies. The equivalent numbers of sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium ions passed into the Cu(II) solution were found to be 1.196, 0.208, 0.117 and 0.009 meq/l, respectively, and the passing percentages of these ions were calculated to be 11.27, 2.45, 1.57 and 0.37%, respectively. The removal mechanism of Cu(II) with zeolite samples was mainly ion exchange with a fraction of approximately 65%. The maximum exchange capacities obtained by using Dogantepe zeolites, Yavu zeolites, and synthetic resin were found to be 9.2, 7.0 and 72.7 mg/g, respectively. However, in relatively low concentrations of Cu(II), the differences in the removal efficiencies or exchange capacities obtained for above different three materials were significantly decreased.     

Seizure modeling of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution by chemically modified sugarcane bagasse fly ash: isotherms, kinetics, and column study

Heavy metal pollution is a common environmental problem all over the world. The purpose of the research is to examine the applicability of bagasse fly ash (BFA)—an agricultural waste of sugar industry used for the synthesis of zeolitic material. The zeolitic material are used for the uptake of Pb(II) and Cd(II) heavy metal. Bagasse fly ash is used as a native material for the synthesis of zeolitic materials by conventional hydrothermal treatment without (conventional zeolitic bagasse fly ash (CZBFA)) and with electrolyte (conventional zeolitic bagasse fly ash in electrolyte media (ECZBFA)) media. Heavy metal ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) were successfully seized from aqueous media using these synthesized zeolitic materials. In this study, the zeolitic materials were well characterized by different instrumental methods such as Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, XRF, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopic microphotographs. The presence of analcime, phillipsite, and zeolite P in adsorbents confirms successful conversion of native BFA into zeolitic materials. Seizure modeling of Pb(II) and Cd(II) was achieved by batch sorption experiments, isotherms, and kinetic studies. These data were used to compare and evaluate the zeolitic materials as potential sorbents for the uptake of heavy metal ions from an aqueous media. The Langmuir isotherm correlation coefficient parameters best fit the equilibrium data which indicate the physical sorption. Pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion model matches best which indicates that the rate of sorption was controlled by film diffusion. The column studies were performed for the practical function of sorbents, and breakthrough curves were obtained, which revealed higher sorption capacity as compared to batch method. Synthesized zeolitic material (CZBFA and ECZBFA), a low-cost sorbent, was proven as potential sorbent for the uptake of Pb(II) and Cd(II) heavy metal ions.     

Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic biosorption of Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cd(II) ions by dead anaerobic biomass from synthetic wastewater

Purpose

Heavy metals are toxic pollutants released into the environment as a result of different industrial activities. Biosorption of heavy metals from aqueous solutions is a new technology for the treatment of industrial wastewater. The aim of the present research is to highlight the basic biosorption theory to heavy metal removal.

Materials and methods

Heterogeneous cultures mostly dried anaerobic bacteria, yeast (fungi), and protozoa were used as low-cost material to remove metallic cations Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cd(II) from synthetic wastewater. Competitive biosorption of these metals was studied.

Results

The main biosorption mechanisms were complexation and physical adsorption onto natural active functional groups. It is observed that biosorption of these metals was a surface process. The main functional groups involved in these processes were hydroxyl (–OH) and carboxylic groups (C=O) with 37, 52, and 31 and 21, 14, and 34 % removal of Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cd(II), respectively. Langmuir was the best model for a single system. While extended Langmuir was the best model for binary and ternary metal systems. The maximum uptake capacities were 54.92, 34.78, and 29.99 mg/g and pore diffusion coefficients were 7.23, 3.15, and 2.76?×?10^?11 m²/s for Pb(II), Cr(III), and Cd(II), respectively. Optimum pH was found to be 4. Pseudo-second-order was the best model to predict the kinetic process. Biosorption process was exothermic and physical in nature.

Conclusions

Pb(II) offers the strongest component that is able to displace Cr(III) and Cd(II) from their sites, while Cd(II) ions are the weakest adsorbed component.     

Removal of mercury(II) from aqueous solutions using the leaves of the Rambai tree (Baccaurea motleyana)

This study was undertaken to evaluate the biosorption potential of a natural, low-cost biosorbent, Rambai leaves (Baccaurea motleyana), to remove trace amounts of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. It was found that the amount of Hg(II) biosorption by Rambai leaves increased with initial metal ion concentration, contact time, and solution pH but decreased as the amount of biosorbent increased. The maximum biosorption capacity was 121.95 mg/g for an initial concentration range of 5 to 120 ppb. Overall, kinetic studies showed that the Hg(II) biosorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics based on pseudo-first-order and intraparticle diffusion models. Isotherm data revealed that the biosorption process followed both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The value of separation factor, R(L), from the Langmuir equation and rate of biosorption, n, from the Freundlich model also indicated favorable adsorption.     

Regeneration of spent TiO2 nanoparticles for Pb (II), Cu (II), and Zn (II) removal

Spent sorbents in water treatment processes have potential risks to the environment if released without proper treatment. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential regeneration of commercially prepared nano-TiO₂ (anatase) for the removal of Pb (II), Cu (II), and Zn (II) by pH 2 and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions. The percent of metal adsorption/desorption decreased with the increasing number of regeneration cycles, and the extent of decrease varied for each metal. Competitive effects were observed for the adsorption/desorption of different metals when the nano-TiO₂ was regenerated by EDTA solutions. Nano-TiO₂ was able to treat simulated metal polluted water with greater than 94 % adsorption and greater than 92 % desorption after four cycles of regeneration using pH 2 solution. These results demonstrated that nano-TiO₂ can be regenerated and reused using pH 2 solution compared to an EDTA solution for aquatic metal removal, which makes nanosorbents promising and economically and environmentally more attractive in the application of water purification.