Bentonite Clay as an Alternative Adsorbent for Removal of Heavy Metals in wastewater

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of bentonite clay as an alternative adsorbent for removing heavy metals from abattoir wastewater. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of bentonite clay in removing six heavy metals, including Lead, Chromium, Arsenic, Cadmium, Zinc and Iron. Results show that bentonite clay effectively removed all heavy metals, with removal efficiencies ranging from 75% to 95%. The study also found that the adsorption efficiency of bentonite clay increased with increasing initial metal concentration and decreasing pH of the solution. Freundlich and Langmuir models were used to predict the adsorption process, and the R2 values for both models were similar. This suggests that both models were equally adequate or inadequate in describing the process. The study concludes that bentonite clay is a promising adsorbent for removing heavy metals from wastewater. It is recommended that the use of bentonite clay as an alternative adsorbent for heavy metal removal should be further explored and optimized, particularly in terms of operating conditions such as pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage.