Comparison the Adsorption Capacity of Ukrainian Tuff and Basalt with Zeolite-Manganese Removal from Water Solution

Abstract

Manganese is an undesirable element in tap water but is common in the groundwater. Several methods can be used for manganese removal, including adsorption. Mined rocks are commonly evaluated as adsorbents and it was the objective of this paper - to investigate the Ukrainian volcanic tuff and basaltic rock from the Ivanodolinsky quarry and compare it with Ukrainian zeolite as well as with literature data. The research was based on equilibrated batch tests at a temperature of 10°C and slightly acidic pH. The data were treated using Langmuir and Freundlich models in the linear form. The results indicated the spontaneous and favourable adsorption of manganese. The volcanic tuff was characterized by the highest adsorption capacity, twice higher than basalt and zeolite. The heterogeneity of the active adsorption sites on the tuff was also greater and resulted from the diversity of the mineral composition. Considering the literature data, the properties of tuff are worth further research.