Characterization of jordanian porcelanite rock with reference to the adsorption behaviour of lead ions from aqueous solution

Abstract

Lead ions were adsorbed from aqueous solution by Jordanian porcelanite rock. Adsorption was studied as a function of initial concentration, PH, adsorbent dose and contact time at constant temperature. The equilibrium process was described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model with maximum sorption capacity equal to 19.562 mg g-1, removal efficiency of 95-98% at about 40 min. of contact time, with 0.5 g of porcelanite and 10-30 ppm concentrations in metallic solutions. The physical and chemical characterization of porcelanite was carried out using X-Ray Fluorescence, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope and Thermogravimetry analysis. The specific surface area has also been investigated. The Jordanian porcelanite rock represents an alternative natural adsorbent, since it is a low cost material and has the ability to be used as an adsorbent for the removal of toxic inorganic materials from water.