Zn Sorption Capacity Research Articles

Efficient removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous media using a facilely synthesized nanocomposite based on chitosan Schiff base

The development of nanomaterials incorporating organic components holds significant importance in addressing the efficient removal of metal ions through adsorption. Hence, in this study, a novel MnFe2O4/chitosan/Schiff base nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by crosslinking MnFe2O4 nanoparticles with functionalized chitosan using a novel Schiff base. The Schiff base was created through the condensation reaction between 2-aminophenol and terephthalaldehyde. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized nanocomposite was performed through FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and VSM analyses, revealing a less crystalline arrangement compared to pure chitosan, a rough and non-uniform surface morphology, and a reduced magnetization value of 30 emu/g. Furthermore, the synthesized MnFe2O4/chitosan/Schiff base nanocomposite was working as an adsorbent for the effective disposal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a maximum sorption capacity of 289.86 mg/g for Zn(II) ions. Additionally, the results indicated that the removal of Zn(II) ions by the synthesized nanocomposite was a spontaneous, chemical, and endothermic process, aligning well with the Langmuir isotherm as well as the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, at pH 7.5, with a contact duration of 100 min and a temperature of 328 K, the fabricated nanocomposite reached its maximum sorption capacity for Zn(II) ions. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly synthesized MnFe2O4/chitosan/Schiff base nanocomposite in removing Zn(II) ions from aqueous media. The novel synthesis approach and the high adsorption capacity of 289.86 mg/g underscore the potential of this composite for practical applications in industrial wastewater treatment. The dual removal mechanism involving electrostatic attraction and complexation processes further enhances its utility, making it a valuable contribution to the field of environmental remediation.

The Accumulation of Metal Ions by a Soy Protein–Inorganic Composite Material

Water-soluble soy protein (SP), which contains many acidic amino acids in its structure, was complexed by mixing with a silane coupling agent, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). These SP−GPTMS composite materials showed stability in water. This property is due to the cross-linking between SP and GPTMS through the ring cleavage reaction of the epoxy group in the GPTMS molecule and an encapsulation of SP into the 3D siloxane network of GPTMS. When the SP−GPTMS composite material was immersed in an aqueous Cu(II) ion solution, the composite material changed from light brown to blue green by the coordination of Cu(II) ions into the SP. Hence, we evaluated the accumulation of heavy ions, rare-earth ions, and light metal ions. The accumulating affinity of metal ions was Cd(II) << Zn(II), Cu(II), Pb(II) < La(III) < Al(III) < Nd(III), In(III) << Mg(II) < Ca(II) ions. In addition, the sorption capacities of Ca(II), Mg(II), In(III), Nd(III), Al(III), La(III), Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) ions were 700 nmol/mg, 660 nmol/mg, 470 nmol/mg, 470 nmol/mg, 410 nmol/mg, 380 nmol/mg, 350 nmol/mg, 350 nmol/mg, 300 nmol/mg, and 200 nmol/mg, respectively. These properties suggest that the SP−GPTMS composite material has a divalent light metal ion selectivity. Additionally, the accumulative mechanism of the light metal ions was related to the carboxylate group and the hydroxyl group in the composite material.

Novel application of xanthan gum-based biopolymer for heavy metal immobilization in soil

The sorption reaction between xanthan gum-based biopolymer and Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn was verified through contact time, initial concentration, and pH alteration. The biopolymer has a negative surface charge in the pH range of 1–8.5, and contains three dominant functional groups (i.e., OH, C-H, and CC bonds). The equilibrium time of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentration on the biopolymer was 10 min, and was followed by a pseudo-second-order kinetic reaction. The maximum sorption capacities (qm) of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 16.0 mg/g, 8.5 mg/g, 38.3 mg/L, and 7.2 mg/L, respectively. The Langmuir sorption isotherm was found to be more appropriate than the Freundlich model. Furthermore, the immobilization of heavy metals in the biopolymer-added soil was assessed using HCl and NaH2PO4 extraction. It was observed that 20% and 90% of Cu was immobilized in the soil, and the immobilization rate increased with the biopolymer mixing ratios. This study suggests that the biopolymer could be removed Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn from solution, and the biopolymer could be applied as an additive for the immobilization of heavy metals in soil.

Characterization of Cu(II) and Zn(II) Sorption onto Zeolite

In this study, a batch sorption study approach was combined with an instrumental analytical approach of atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the sorption of copper and zinc ions from aqueous solution on zeolites. Both copper and zinc are biogenic elements; nevertheless, many industrial processes produce an excessive amount, which is why their efficient removal from water must be studied. Two types of zeolites, Zeolite Micro 20 (Z-M20) and Zeolite Micro 50 (Z-M50), were used. The results showed that the maximum sorption capacities for removal of Cu and Zn were 1.06 for CuSO4, 42.35 for Cu(NO3)2, 1.15 for ZnSO4 and 2.29 for Zn(NO3)2 adsorption onto Z-M20 and 0.45 for CuSO4, 1.67 for Cu(NO3)2, 0.39 for ZnSO4 and 1.51 for Zn(NO3)2 adsorption onto Z-M50. The maximum sorption capacities are higher for sulfates and the sorbent with smaller particle size. The sorption capacities of Cu and Zn for corresponding anion and particle size differ only up to 5–15%. Using XRD and XPS analyses before and after the sorption process, it was found that the content of both Cu and Zn in the surface layer and the bulk are the same for sorption onto sorbent with smaller particle size, but are higher in the surface layer than in the bulk for sorption onto sorbent with larger particle size. One of the main findings of this study is that a zeolite with smaller particles takes Cu and Zn by the whole particle, while with bigger particles, Cu and Zn concentrate in the surface of the particle. The results of the study may be used as an indicator for sorption efficiency of the studied zeolites for their application in the treatment of copper and zinc contaminated effluents.

Closing the loop in a constructed wetland for the improvement of metal removal: the use of Phragmites australis biomass harvested from the system as biosorbent

Among the numerous clean-up techniques for water treatment, sorption methods are widely used for the removal of trace metals. Phragmites australis is a macrophyte commonly used in constructed wetlands for water purification, and in the last decades, its use as biosorbent has attracted increasing attention. In view of a circularly economy approach, this study investigated improvement of trace metal removal by recycling the biomass of P. australis colonizing a constructed wetland, which operates as post-treatment of effluent wastewater from an activated sludge plant serving the textile industrial district of Prato (Italy). After the annual mowing of the reed plants, the biomass was dried and blended to derive a sustainable and eco-friendly biosorbent and its sorption capacity for Fe, Cu, and Zn was investigated comparing the batch system with the easier-to-handle column technique. The possibility of regeneration and reuse of the biosorbent was also evaluated. The biomaterial showed an interesting sorption capacity for Cu, Fe, and Zn, both in batch and in column experiments, especially for Fe ions. The immobilization of the biosorbent in column filters induced some improvement in the removal efficiency, and, in addition, this operation mode has the advantage of being much more suitable for practical applications than the batch process.

The Influence of Salinity on the Removal of Ni and Zn by Sorption onto Iron Oxide- and Manganese Oxide-Coated Sand

The influence of salinity on the single and binary sorption of Ni and Zn onto iron oxide- and manganese oxide-coated sand (IOCS and MOCS) was investigated at pH = 5. The single sorption experimental data were fitted to Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Sips models, and a nonlinear sorption isotherm was observed (NF = 0.309–0.567). The higher Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area (ABET) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of MOCS contributed to the higher maximum sorption capacities (qmL) of Ni and Zn than that of IOCS. The Ni sorption capacities in the single sorption were higher than that in the binary sorption, while the Zn sorption capacities in the single sorption were less than that in the binary sorption. The single and binary sorptions onto both IOCS and MOCS were affected by the salinity, as indicated by the decrease in sorption capacities. Satisfactory predictions were shown by the binary sorption model fitting including P-factor, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST)–Freundlich, IAST–Langmuir, and IAST–Sips; among these, the P-factor model showed the best fitting results in predicting the influence of salinity of Ni and Zn in the binary sorption system onto IOCS and MOCS. IOCS and MOCS offer a sustainable reactive media in a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for removing Ni and Zn in the presence of salinity.

Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution using leaves of Corchorus olitorius as a low-cost biosorbent.

Zinc (Zn) is one of the hazardous metal pollutants commonly found in industrial effluents and poses severe environmental and human health impacts. The present study chosen the leaves of Corchorus olitorius as a potential biosorbent among four different types of leaves employed for removing Zn from aqueous solution. The process parameters-contact time, pH, biosorbent dose, and initial Zn concentration were optimized for maximum removal of Zn using standard protocols. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy study was performed to identify the functional groups involved in Zn biosorption mechanism. The biosorption equilibrium was achieved at 120min of contact time. The biosorption of Zn was highest at pH 6 and biosorbent dose of 2g/L. The sorption equilibrium data were well fitted with the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 =0.995). Highest adsorption capacity of C.olitorius leaves was 11.63mg/g. It is concluded that the leaves of C.olitorius could be used as a potentially low-cost novel biosorbent to remove Zn from contaminated water. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Optimum Zn sorption process parameters of Corchorus olitorius leaf biosorbent were determined. Zn sorption kinetic data of C.olitorius leaf were well fitted by Freundlich isotherm model. C.olitorius leaf biosorbent showed excellent Zn sorption capacity (11.63mg/g) from water. Leaves of C.olitorius could be used as a potentially low-cost novel biosorbent.

Sorption of Selected Heavy Metals with Different Relative Concentrations in Industrial Effluent on Biochar from Human Faecal Products and Pine-Bark.

The removal of heavy metals from effluents at source could reduce contamination of soil and water bodies. A batch sorption experiment was performed to determine the effects of feedstock of biochars pyrolysed at increasing temperature on sorption capacities of Cu, Cr and Zn from industrial effluent and aqueous solutions. Sewage sludge, latrine faecal waste and pine-bark biochars were used. The sorption data were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. Maximum sorption capacities of latrine waste, sewage sludge and pine-bark biochar (350 °C) were, respectively, 313, 400 and 233 mg kg−1 for Zn, 102, 98.0 and 33.3 mg kg−1 for Cu, and 18.9, 13.8 and 67.1 mg kg−1 for Cr from industrial effluent. Conversely, sorption capacities from single metal solutions were 278, 227 and 104 mg Zn kg−1, 97.1, 137 and 21.3 mg Cu kg−1, 122, 106 and 147 mg Cr kg−1 on latrine waste, sewage sludge and pine-bark biochar, respectively. Step-wise regression analysis showed that the combined effects of ash, fixed C, pH influenced Zn sorption, ash and fixed C affected Cu sorption, and Cr sorption by ash and specific surface area of the biochar. The findings of the study imply that biochar from human faecal waste, particularly sewage sludge, has the potential to be utilized as sorbents of heavy metals from multiple metal effluent and that the sorption is affected by relative concentrations.

Geo- and nano-materials affect the mono-metal and competitive sorption of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in a sewage sludge-treated alkaline soil.

We evaluated the effect of geomaterials (modified zeolite and bentonite using CaCl2) and nanoparticles (ZnO and MgO) on the mono-metal and competitive sorption of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in an alkaline soil treated with three sewage sludges (SSs) collected from Isfahan, Rasht and Shiraz, Iran. The three SSs increased Cu sorption compared to the control. Sorption of Cd and Zn increased by the addition of Isfahan SS, but decreased by that of Rasht SS. Isfahan SS increased significantly the distribution coefficient of Cd, Cu, and Zn by 1.9, 1.2 and 1.5 times, respectively, compared to the control. The geomaterials and nanoparticles increased metal sorption in the SS-amended soil. Zeolite and MgO were the best sorbents for Cu in Rasht and Shiraz SS-treated soil, while ZnO and MgO were better in Isfahan SS-treated soil. Bentonite showed the highest Cd sorption capacity in Isfahan SS-treated soil, and MgO in the Shiraz SS-treated soil. ZnO showed the highest sorption capacity for Ni among the three SSs treatments. The nanoparticles showed higher sorption capacity for Zn than the geomaterials. We conclude that zeolite, bentonite, ZnO and MgO could be suitable immobilizing agents for Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in SS-amended alkaline soils.

Functionalized Charcoal as a Buffering Matrix of Copper and Zinc Availability

ABSTRACT: High copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) contents in soil can cause phytotoxicity to plants and contaminate surface and groundwater, with negative effects on agriculture and the environment. Functionalized charcoal (OCh) has high cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the ability to adsorb Cu and Zn and control their availability in the soil and water. An adsorption study at two pH levels was carried out to evaluate increasing Cu and Zn sorption capacity provided by the functionalization process of a charcoal. [...]

Screening of wheat straw biochars for the remediation of soils polluted with Zn (II) and Cd (II).

The immobilization behaviors of Zn(II) and Cd(II) by wheat straw (WS) biochars could vary with the soil conditions. In the acidic environment, WS biochars produced at low temperature were more competent than those produced at high temperature on Zn(II) and Cd(II) immobilization; while WS biochars produced at high temperature were more effective than those produced at low temperature in the alkaline environment. The ions in the porewater could compromise the sorption capacities of Zn(II) and Cd(II) by WS biochars in acidic soils, while could enhance them in alkaline soils. For biochars produced at the same temperature, residence time had little effect on their behaviors of Zn(II) and Cd(II) immobilization. Only a small portion of immobilized Zn(II)/Cd(II) could be released from WS biochar in the simulated acid rain. Compared with Zn(II)/Cd(II) adsorbed on the acidic functional groups, Zn(II)/Cd(II) precipitates were more stable in 0.01 M CaCl2 solution. Most of the Zn(II) and Cd(II) species on biochar could be released in 1 mM citric acid solution. The immobilized Zn(II) and Cd(II) on WS biochar are likely to be released into the soil environment in the long run.

Predicting Cu and Zn sorption capacity of biochar from feedstock C/N ratio and pyrolysis temperature

Biochars have been proposed for remediation of metal-contaminated water due to their low cost, high surface area and high sorption capacity for metals. However, there is a lack of understanding over how feedstock material and pyrolysis conditions contribute to the metal sorption capacity of biochar. We produced biochars from 10 different organic materials by pyrolysing at 450 °C and a further 10 biochars from cedar wood by pyrolysing at 50 °C intervals (250–700 °C). Batch sorption experiments were conducted to derive the maximum Cu and Zn sorption capacity of each biochar. The results revealed an exponential relationship between Cu and Zn sorption capacity and the feedstock C/N ratio and a sigmoidal relationship between the pyrolysis temperature and the maximum Cu and Zn sorption capacity. FTIR analysis revealed that as temperature increased, the abundance of functional groups reduced. We conclude that the high sorption capacity of high temperature biochars is due to an electrostatic attraction between positively charged Cu and Zn ions and delocalised pi-electrons on the greater surface area of these biochars. These findings demonstrate a method for predicting the maximum sorption capacity of a biochar based on the feedstock C/N ratio and the pyrolysis temperature.

Removal of Ni and Zn in contaminated neutral drainage by raw and modified wood ash

ABSTRACTIn the present study, wood ash was modified by alkaline fusion, prior to hydrothermal synthesis, for potential application in the treatment of mine drainage impacted water. With this objective, two types of wood ash (both raw and modified) were evaluated for the treatment of Ni and Zn in contaminated neutral drainage (CND). Batch adsorption experiments were initially conducted on synthetic CND, and then on two real CND, sampled on two active mine sites, contaminated by either Ni (3.7 mg/L) or Zn (9.1 mg/L). Leaching of Zn was observed during the kinetic tests for the raw wood ash, whereas its modification suppressed the leaching. The cation exchange capacity acquired by modification of the two samples of wood ash exceeded 300 meq/100 g (which is two to fourfold higher than those of the raw ash), while sorption capacity for Ni and Zn tripled relative to the raw material. The Langmuir model best described the sorption process for all materials, while potential mechanisms of metal removal include adsorption, precipitation and ion exchange, following pseudo second-order kinetics. Results also showed that within 2 h of contact of mine effluents with one modified wood ash, Ni and Zn concentrations decreased below the maximum authorized monthly mean concentration allowed by the Canadian law (0.5 mg/L), whereas the other modified wood ash allowed reaching the regulatory conformity after 2 h for Ni but 7 days for Zn (although 93% removed after 2 h). Nonetheless, the pH was raised (10.9–11.8) above the legally allowed limits (6–9.5). Based on these findings, modified wood ash could be considered as a promising option for the treatment of Ni and Zn in CND, but the pH correction of final effluent might be necessary.

Evaluation of waste materials for acid mine drainage remediation

Laboratory scale tests were conducted to assess the efficiency of two different types of waste materials to remediate acid mine drainage (AMD). The waste materials used in the current study were recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs), and fly ashes. Four different RCA materials and three different fly ash materials were evaluated. Column leach tests (CLTs) were conducted to determine the effects of the remediation materials on pH, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, oxidation reduction potential (Eh), and concentrations of sulfate (SO42−), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in AMD. Results of the CLTs suggest RCAs and one of the highly alkaline fly ash can effectively raise pH of the AMD and reduce concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in AMD. In addition, sulfate concentrations of AMD decreased significantly after being treated by RCAs while sulfate concentrations of the AMD increased when it was remediated by fly ashes. It is speculated that leaching of sulfate from fly ash samples during treatment may decrease the metal sorption capacity of fly ashes. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy quantified the impact of CaO and loos on ignition (LOI) in the remediation materials on sorption capacity of metals from the AMD. Sorption capacity for Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn was found to be greater in materials with high CaO and LOI content, and low unburned carbon.

Organic acid compounds in root exudation of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) and its bioactivity as affected by heavy metals.

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) has great potential as phytoremediation material in soil contaminated by heavy metals. A hydroponics experiment was conducted to determine organic acid compounds of root exudates of lead- (Pb), zinc- (Zn), copper- (Cu), and cadmium (Cd)-tolerantof Moso bamboo. Plants were grown in nutrients solution which included Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd applied as Pb(NO3)2 (200μM), ZnSO4·7H2O (100μM), CuSO4·5H2O (25μM), and CdCl2 (10μM), respectively. Oxalic acid and malic acid were detected in all treatments. Lactic acid was observed in Cu, Cd, and control treatments. The oxalic was the main organic acid exudated by Moso bamboo. In the sand culture experiment, the Moso bamboo significantly activated carbonate heavy metals under activation of roots. The concentration of water-soluble metals (except Pb) in sand were significantly increased as compared with control. Organic acids (1mM mixed) were used due to its effect on the soil adsorption of heavy metals. After adding mixed organic acids, the Cu and Zn sorption capacity in soils was decreased markedly compared with enhanced Pb and Cd sorption capacity in soils. The sorption was analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich equations with R 2 values that ranged from 0.956 to 0.999 and 0.919 to 0.997, respectively.

Efficiency of chitosan–algal biomass composite microbeads at heavy metal removal

A new chitosan/algal (Cladophora sp.) composite microbead was produced and used in removal of heavy metal ions. Bleached algal biomass was incorporated into the chitosan matrix through cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that bleached algal biomass consisted of mainly cellulosic residues. Scanning electron microscopy images exhibited that algal particles were immobilised in the polymeric matrix. Sorption capacity of the microbeads was determined; Cd(II): 0.240, Cr(III): 1.128, Cu(II): 1.059, Ni(II): 0.239 and Zn(II): 0.310mmolg−1. The microbeads with bleached algal biomass exhibited higher sorption capacity for Cd(II) and Zn(II) ions than the plain glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan microbeads, demonstrating that the contribution of the algal biomass to the sorption. Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic evaluation of the experimental data was performed. The findings revealed that chitosan–algal composite microbeads can be used in heavy metal removal.

Biosorption of zinc from aqueous solution by dried activated sludge biomass

The biosorption potential of Zn(II) from aqueous solutions using activated sludge biomass was investigated. Optimum biosorption conditions were determined with respect to pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm models were applied to the equilibrium data. The maximum Zn(II) sorption capacity of activated sludge was found to be 76.92 mg g−1 at pH 6, biomass concentration 2 g L−1, contact time 30 min and temperature 20°C. The calculated mean biosorption energy (9.82 kJmol−1) using D–R model indicated that the biosorption of Zn(II) on the biomass was induced by chemical ion exchange.

Planting trees and amending with waste increases the capacity of mine tailings soils to retain Ni, Pb and Zn

The sorption capacity for Ni, Pb and Zn of mine tailings soil with and without reclamation treatment (tree planting and waste amendment) was evaluated using the batch adsorption technique. It is important to determine the capacity of waste-amended soils to retain Ni, Pb and Zn, as the sludges used usually have high concentrations of these metals. The results obtained in the present study showed that the untreated mine tailings soil had a low capacity for Ni, Pb and Zn retention. The sorption capacity for Pb increased significantly in all of the treated soils, without any significant differences between them. The treatment that most increased the sorption capacity for Ni and Zn was planting with trees and amending with waste simultaneously, as this increased the concentration of both organic and inorganic carbon, exchangeable calcium, soil pH and effective cation exchange capacity

Removal of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution Using Natural and Fe(III) Oxyhydroxide Clinoptilolite

AbstractThe increasing levels of industrial wastewater released to the environment present a serious threat to human health, living resources, and ecological systems. Fe-modified zeolites were developed and tested for removal of Cu2+ and Zn2+ from contaminated water. The surfaces of the naturally occurring zeolite, clinoptilolite, were modified with Fe(III) oxyhydroxides using three different methods, denoted I, II, and III (FeCli1, FeCli2, and FeNaCli1, respectively). The oxyhydroxides were prepared in Method I using 0.1 M FeCl3·6H2O in an acetate buffer (pH = 3.6); in Method II, using 10ai] FeCl3·6H2O solution in 0.1 M KOH (pH = 10); and Method III was the same as Method I except the clinoptilolite was pretreated with NaCl. Newly synthesized materials from these three methods were then tested for their ability to enhance the sorption capacity for Cu and Zn compared to the natural sample (Cli). Powder X-ray diffraction measurements and the chemical composition of these modified samples confirmed that clinoptilolite maintained its structure while amorphous Fe3+ species were synthesized. The specific surface area (BET method) of both the natural and modified clinoptilolite increased by 2 and 7.5 times for Methods I and II, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that CaO was formed during Method I (FeClii). Throughout the adsorption process, the hydrolysis of CaO and the release of OH− caused the precipitation of Cu and Zn hydroxide, which made the determination of the sorption capacity of FeClii impossible. This phenomenon was avoided in Method III (FeNaClii) because of the absence of exchangeable Ca2+. The adsorption experiments with Method II resulted in double-enchanced adsoprtion capacity. Laboratory batch experiments revealed that the sorption capacities increased in the following order: Cli < FeCli2 < FeNaCli1, for Cu: 0.121 mmol/g < 0.251 mmol/g < 0.403 mmol/g and for Zn: 0.128 mmol/g < 0.234 mmol/g < 0.381 mmol/g.

Co-Sorption Characteristics of Zn(II) and As(V) on Mixed Fe/Al-PILCs

Co-sorption characteristics of Zn(II) and As(V) on the mixed Fe/Al-PILCs was investigated in a batch system at room temperature. The effects of relevant parameters, such as pH value of solution, adsorbent dosage, initial Zn(II) and As(V) concentrations and contact time were examined, respectively. The results show that co-sorption capacities and co-sorption rates of Zn(II) and As(V) by Fe/Al-PILC are higher and faster than those of single Zn(II) or single As(V) by Fe/Al-PILC. Co-sorption isotherm data of Zn(II) and As(V) by Fe-Al-PILC were fitted well to Langmuir isotherm and the maximum sorption capacities of Zn(II) and As(V) on mixed Fe-Al-PILCs (Q0) are 16.98 mg/g and 16.29 mg/g, respectively, which are higher than those in single system. n>1 from Freundlich isotherm indicate that the sorption of Zn(II) and As(V) by Fe-Al-PILC is favorable. E values from D-R model indicate that the type of sorption of Zn(II) and As(V) by Fe-Al-PILC is physical. The results indicate that there is significant potential for Fe/Al-PILCs as an adsorbent material for Zn(II) and As(V) removal from aqueous solutions.