Thermodynamic and Kinetic Models for Removal of Thorium from Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Adsorption is a unique process for the removal of pollutants from water and wastewater since the process is cost effective, easily adoptable and environmentally compatible. The micro algae are a promising way to produce a useful adsorbent for Thorium (VI) removal from aqueous solution. The specific surface area of the microalgae was determined and its properties studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorptive removal of Thorium (VI) from aqueous solution on micro algae has been studied under varying conditions of agitation time, metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose and pH to assess the kinetic and equilibrium parameters. Adsorption equilibrium was obtained in 120 min for 20 to 120 mg/L of Thorium (VI) concentrations. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Redlich-Peterson isotherm models, kinetic models and thermodynamic models were found to provide an excellent fitting of the adsorption data. The adsorption capacity of thorium 91.73% maximum percent removal in thorium at pH 3. This adsorbent was found to be effective and economically attractive.