Geochemical of Fossil Diatoms and Its Utilization as Adsorbent in Water Treatment

Abstract

Diatomite is characterized by exceptional physicochemical properties and its many industrial applications. Using a variety of techniques in this study, we characterized the chemical, physicochemical and structural properties of a diatomaceous earth sampled in the deposit of sig Algeria. Natural diatomite was tested as a potential sorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions. The results show that the high sorption ability of diatomite makes the material a suitable candidate in the removal of heavy metals (Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II)) from water.