Fractal-like adsorption kinetics of Pb2+ in rocks

Abstract

The adsorption kinetics of Pb2+ in rocks has been studied using ion selective electrodes and atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that the adsorption process is a fractal-like reaction. The adsorption rate was relatively high before 30 minutes, and then dropped. The saturated adsorption capacity (a) of Pb2+ and kinetic parameters (b, a, D and k) increased with increasing initial concentrations of Pb2+. These parameters (except a) decreased while Na+ was present in the solution. Furthermore, the smaller the rocks were in grain size, the bigger these kinetic parameters would be, though the parameter a was almost constant.