Abstract
This study focused on the adsorption/absorption process of natural volcanic tuff, its application, kinetics, efficiency, velocity and selectivity order in removing heavy metals found in pharmaceutical wastewater. Series of experiments were conducted in batch-wise and fixed-bed columns to study the removal performance and selectivity sequence of mixed metal ions (Pb2+, Cr6+, Cu2+, Zn2+and Fe3+) in aqueous solution using natural volcanic tuff material as adsorbent. The main purpose of this study is to highlight the economical application of the method in treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater.
Highlights
Effluents from various processing industries and other utilities such as electroplating industries, medical care centers and hospitals is reported to contain high amounts of heavy metal ions, such as nickel, iron, lead, zinc, chromium, cadmium and copper [1]
The most obvious result obtained for all metals is the observed decrease in the initial concentration indicating that volcanic tuff is an active material in the absorption/ionic exchange process and can be used with high efficiency for removal of heavy metals from aquatic solutions
A fundamental finding is that the heavy metal ions uptake is mainly correlated to solution pH, that the removal of heavy metals is selective and selectivity order for removal could be established
Summary
Effluents from various processing industries and other utilities such as electroplating industries, medical care centers and hospitals is reported to contain high amounts of heavy metal ions, such as nickel, iron, lead, zinc, chromium, cadmium and copper [1]. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements and the multiple industrial, domestic, agricultural, medical and technological applications have led to their wide distribution in the environment; raising concerns over their potential effects on human health and the environment. Their toxicity depends on several factors including the dose, route of exposure and chemical species, as well as the age, gender, genetics, and nutritional status of exposed individuals. Pharmaceutical effluents are usually discharged into the environment and when improperly handled and disposed, they affect both human health and the environment [12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Medical Toxicology and Clinical Forensic Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
