Kinetic modelling for heavy metal adsorption using Jordanian low cost natural zeolite (fixed bed column study)

Abstract

Low cost Jordanian natural zeolite (ANZ1 and ANZ2) of type phillipsite-chabazite obtained from Jabal al Ataitahat south Jordan were tested experimentally as adsorbent material for the removal of lead (Pb) and lithium (Li) ions from the effluent industrial wastewater streams. The experimental breakthrough curves were obtained from fixed bed experiments and analysed using the Thomas and Yoon and Nelson kinetic models to evaluate the adsorbent performance. The rate constants for the Thomas model for the removal of lead ions using the adsorbents ANZ2 and ANZ1 were 0.201 and 0.2345 mL/min/mg, respectively. The Thomas model adsorption capacity for the removal of lead ions using the adsorbents ANZ2 and ANZ1 were 34.7 and 23.64 mg/g, respectively. The estimated rate constants for the Yoon and Nelson model for the two ANZ2 and ANZ1 were 0.038 and 0.05 min–1, respectively. The kinetic data fitted well to both models. The rate constants for the Thomas model for the removal of lithium ions using the adsorbents ANZ1 and ANZ2 were 0.134 and 0.1005 mL/min/mg, respectively, where the Thomas model adsorption capacity for the removal of lithium ions using the adsorbents ANZ1 and ANZ2 were 18.65 and 21.43 mg/g, respectively.