Retention of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn) by a sand area of Agadir: Equilibrium and kinetic

Abstract

Because of the increasingly importance of industrial and agricultural activities, many pollutants reach aquifers that deplete groundwater quality and rivers with organic and inorganic pollutants such as heavy metals. These latter are huge nuisance to public health and cause serious problems because of their stability and low biodegradability by natural processes.In this study, we tried to develop an abundant raw material from the sand dunes of M'zar (Agadir region) by cleansing them through adsorption wastewater containing heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn). The results are comparable to other media such as kaolinite, Cotton fibers and sawdust. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013.