Application of Algerian Bentonite in the Removal of Cadmium (II) and Chromium (VI) from Aqueous Solutions

Abstract

The aim of this study is to report batch adsorption results of Cd (II) and Cr (VI) onto Algerian bentonite. The equilibrium adsorption process was achieved at about 120 min contact time. The kinetic and isotherms aspects of Cr (VI) and Cd (II) adsorption were investigated by varying operation parameters such as pH (0.5 - 6), initial Cd (II) and Cr (VI) concentrations (50 - 200 mg/l) and temperature (293.15 K - 343.15 K). The optimum conditions obtained were: pH = 6.0 and 4.0 for Cd (II) and Cr (VI) respectively, initial concentrations of Cd (II) and Cr (VI) = 50 mg/L and T = 293.15 K. The kinetic of the adsorption process was studied by application of the most important kinetic models namely the pseudo-first order, the pseudo-second order and Elovich equations. The results showed that the pseudo-second order model fitted well the adsorption data of Cr (VI) whereas, and the Cd (II) adsorption data fitted best the Elovich equation.