The use of sea shell (Donax trunculus) powder to remove Sr(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate and explore the possibility of using ground sea shell powder (Donax trunculus) (SSP) for sorption of Sr(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The maximum removal of Sr(II) removal in SSP was 60% at initial Sr(II) concentration of 25 mg/L, at pH 6.0, contact time 120 min, temperature 25 °C and volume/mass ratio equivalent to 500. Sorption data were interpreted considering the adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic parameters calculated. The maximum Sr(II) adsorption on SSP was 25.45 mg/g at pH 6.0. Freundlich isotherm and Dubinin-Radushkevich models were seen to be more compatible with the sorption equilibrium. The nature of the process was spontaneous and exothermic. The results suggest that SSP could be used as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent to remove strontium ion.