Removal of Heavy Metal by Ion Exchange Using Bentonite Clay

Abstract

Bentonite clay was utilized in this research as adsorbent element to remove the lead and copper ions from wastewater.‎Series of tests were performed at multiple parameters, such as pH solution, initial concentration of lead‎and copper ions, adsorbent mass, and contact time. The greatest removal was attained at pH 5, adsorbent weight‎of 0.5 g, initial heavy metal concentration of 10 mg/l, and a contact time of 60 minutes. The results revealed that‎bentonite clay is suitable in the removal of metal ions from polluted water. The ion exchange rate of lead was faster‎than that of copper. The isotherm for the adsorption of the lead and copper ions on bentonite clay was confirmed‎by the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms which offered good consequences. The results indicated that bentonite‎was utilized as an efficient ion exchange element for the removal of heavy metal ions from polluted water. Fourier‎Transformed Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) images of bentonite clay before and after adsorption showed the‎imbibition of metal ions by bentonite clay.