Investigation of efficiency of different sorption materials for Cu(II) removal from aquous solutions

Abstract

In the present study the (bio)sorption efficiency of different materials for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solution has been investigated. Concentration of cooper ions in solutions was 2mmol/l, M/V ration 10 g/l and pH of the solutions were adjusted at 5. Used materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. SEM-EDX analyses of some materials indicate that copper binding occurs mainly through ion exchange mechanism, between Cu(II) and exchangeable cations. Removal of copper ions was investigated in the following materials: M. spicatum, peach pits, apricot pits, corn cobs, bentonite, zeolite, apatite, apatite and NH4 modified zeolite and modified zeolite NH4. Best results in copper ions removal showed bentonite and M.spicatum. Therefore, it should examine the possibility of using combined adsorbents. The work is aimed to promote biosorption and adsorption as alternative technologies for wastewater treatment based on the use of economically acceptable biological waste materials and mineral raw materials which are characterized by low cost and high efficiency.