Sorption of Heavy Metal on Natural Clay

Abstract

Sorption of heavy metals on Na-montmorillonite was studied as a function of solution pH and different concentrations of background electrolyte and also a function of added metal ion at constant pH. Equilibrium isotherms have been measured and analyzed using a Langmuir isotherm model. The metal ions were predominantly adsorbed on the permanent charge sites in a easily replaceable state. There was also evident a substantial involvement of the hydroxyl groups on the edges of Na-montmorillonite in specific adsorption of the cations especially at higher pH.