Studies on removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions using iron ore slimes as adsorbent

Abstract

Iron ore slimes, a waste material generated during iron ore mining have been employed for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions by a batch adsorption technique. The slime sample contains 45.8% Fe, 13.6% SiO2, and 13.9% Al2O3. It is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy to determine the presence of different phases such as hematite, goethite, limonite, quartz and kaolinite. It is assumed that the adsorption of lead ions is mainly due to the presence of pores and cavities in goethite mineral. The FTIR studies showed the presence of Si-OH and Fe-OH sites responsible for adsorption. Furthermore, the point of zero charge (pzc) of iron ore slime is shifted from 6.2 to 5.8 due to the adsorption of lead ions. Batch adsorption experiments have been conducted to study the sorption behavior of lead ions on iron ore slime. The effects of agitation time, concentration of lead ions, adsorbent doses, solution pH, other metal ions and temperature on the amount of lead ions adsorbed have been investigated. Lead ion adsorption is fast, and equilibrium could be achieved within 15 minutes of time. The adsorption increased with increase in temperature suggesting an endothermic adsorption. Under the conditions, it is possible to remove 95% lead from an aqueous solution bearing ∼20 mg/l at pH∼5.1. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm data fitted very well to both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models.