Abstract
The removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions by pyrrhotite derived from the thermal activation of natural pyrite was explored by batch experiments. The adsorption isotherms demonstrated that the sorption of Hg(II) by modified pyrite (MPy) can be fitted well by the Langmuir model. The removal capacity of Hg(II) on MPy derived from the Langmuir model was determined to 166.67 mg/g. The adsorption process of Hg(II) on MPy was well fitted by a pseudo-second-order model. The sorption of Hg(II) on MPy was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The removal of Hg(II) by MPy was mainly attributed to a chemical reaction resulting in cinnabar formation and the electrostatic attraction between the negative charges in MPy and positive charges of Hg(II). The results of our work suggest that the thermal activation of natural pyrite is greatly important for the effective utilization of ore resources for the removal of Hg(II).
Highlights
With the rapidly increasing industrialization, heavy metal pollution has received increasingly more attention by the populace
The appearance of a weak peak of modified pyrite (MPy)-550 at 2θ = 44.08◦ indicates the formation of monoclinic pyrrhotite
When the calcination temperature is 600 ◦ C, the disappearance of the reflections of pyrite demonstrates that pyrite is completely decomposed into monocline pyrrhotite
Summary
With the rapidly increasing industrialization, heavy metal pollution has received increasingly more attention by the populace. Heavy metal ions are highly toxic even at low concentrations, and when released into the environment, they can cause devastating public health hazards [1,2]. Research has shown that Hg(II) can cause considerable damage to human health by causing toxicity to the central nervous system, kidneys, lung tissues, and reproductive system, resulting in health problems including paralysis, dysfunction of the central nervous system, intestinal and urinary complications, and even death in extreme cases [3,4]. Trace amounts of Hg(II) in water are puzzling due to its complexation and mobility features at low concentrations, bioaccumulation during metabolic processes, wide distribution, and control difficulties.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
