Abstract
This work consists in the use of a 3A zeolite (K-LTA) obtained by a process of exchange of sodium for potassium (4A zeolite), synthesized from Venezuelan kaolin for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions by batch process mode in order to consider its application in treating industrial wastewaters. The 3A zeolite was characterized for X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX). The metal concentration in the equilibrium Ce (mg·L-1) after adsorption with 3A zeolite was analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The influences of the solution pH, contact time, metal initial concentration and adsorbent dosage have been studied. The retention of metal occurring at pH values around 6.5 and the adsorption equilibrium was obtained at 60 min. The equilibrium process was well described by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models. The Langmuir parameters qm (mg·g-1) and b (L·mg-1) (which are related to the sorption capacity and constant of sorption energy) obtained were 14.64 and 5.42 respectively. The Pb (II) experimental uptake was about 14.56 mg·g-1, a little smaller than the theoretical one given by Langmuir isotherm model. The regression parameters and correlation coefficients (R) indicate that the adsorption data for Pb (II) removal fit better the Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, 0 1/n 1 (1/n is 0.13), indicating that adsorption of metal ions on the zeolite, is a favorable physical process. The application of removing of the metal lead from real samples was examined by industrial wastewater samples. For all samples, the percentage of recovery was found with accuracy of more than 98%. The present work suggests 3A zeolite used as a sorbent material with relatively low cost, obtained from Venezuelan raw material; it is a candidate for removal lead ion and probably other cationic heavy metal species from wastewater.
Highlights
The contamination of wastewater by toxic substances is a worldwide environmental problem causing in organisms numerous diseases and disorders [1,2]
This work consists in the use of a 3A zeolite (K-LTA) obtained by a process of exchange of sodium for potassium (4A zeolite), synthesized from Venezuelan kaolin for the removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions by batch process mode in order to consider its application in treating industrial wastewaters
The objective of the present study is to investigate the performance and capacity of 3A zeolite prepared from Venezuelan kaolin, in the removal of lead from aqueous solution and wastewater and its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)
Summary
The contamination of wastewater by toxic substances is a worldwide environmental problem causing in organisms numerous diseases and disorders [1,2]. The environmental protection forces as the World Health Organization, WHO [4] and the Decree 833 in Venezuela [5] limit the contents of lead in drinking water between 10 and 50 μg·L−1 respectively and wastewater in 0.5 mg·L−1. The removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents is very important and the proper treatment of this effluent is crucial for a viable industry [4,5]. Various techniques such as chemical precipitation, electroflota-
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