Sorption of heavy metal cations on rhyolitic and andesitic bentonites from Central Slovakia

Abstract

Sorption of heavy metal cations on rhyolitic and andesitic bentonites from Central SlovakiaThe main purpose of this work was to determine adsorption characteristics of heavy metal cations on two Slovak bentonites. Adsorption of Pb2+, Zn2+, Cu2+and Cd2+on Jelšový Potok (JP) and Lieskovec (L) bentonites was studied by the batch equilibration technique using solutions of different concentrations. Higher smectite content (81 mass %) and higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) (105 mmol M+/100 g) of JP bentonite cause higher adsorption of all heavy metals in comparison with L bentonite. JP adsorbed heavy metals in the order Pb2+» Cd2+> Zn2+> Cu2+while sorption on L was slightly different, Pb2+» Cd2+> Cu2+≥ Zn2+. The Freundlich model of adsorption is more appropriate for adsorption of Pb2+and Cd2+while lower uptake of Cu2+and Zn2+is better described by the Langmuir model. Negative ΔG° values indicate that the adsorption process of all cations on both bentonites is feasible, spontaneous and exothermic. The decrease in thed001spacings from 14.8-14.9 Å in natural dominantly Ca2+-saturated samples to 13.2-12.6 Å for both bentonites saturated with four heavy metal cations shows the effect of less hydrated exchangeable cations on interlayer spacing. Jelšový Potok bentonite of higher montmorillonite content and greater CEC is the more effective candidate for removal of Pb2+, Zn2+, Cu2+and Cd2+from waste water than Lieskovec bentonite.