Isotherm studies on sorption of pyridine and quinoline onto Rundle spent shale

Abstract

Single and binary adsorption of pyridine and quinoline from dilute aqueous solutions onto Rundle spent shale have been investigated in some detail. The results show that all of the isotherms are of the L-4 (Langmuir) type. There is insignificant competition between the two solutes during adsorption, particularly at low concentrations. This allows prediction of the bisolute adsorption behaviour using the single-solute Langmuir expressions. The results indicate that the spent shale behaves as a clay-like material and has potential as an adsorbent for the treatment of oil shale retort water. The results provide fundamental insight into the mechanisms likely to control the transport of N-heterocyclic compounds in spent shale dumps.