Removal of cadmium Cd(II) and silver Ag(i) from aqueous solutions by nano activated alumina. part i: Batch adsorption experiments

Abstract

The extent of removal of heavy metal ions cadmium Cd(II) and silver Ag(I) in single and binary system by adsorption on alumina has been investigated. Adsorption experiments were performed in batch technique from synthetic solutions using high purity nano activated alumina prepared in laboratory as adsorbent for heavy metals remove. Several experimental parameters that affect the extent of adsorption of the metal ions of interest have been investigated such as adsorbent dosage, concentration of the adsorbate, contact time, agitation speed and pH of the system under study. The equilibrium nature of the adsorption of the metal ions at different concentrations has been followed by Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Correlation coefficients (R2) derived from these plots are (0.965) for cadmium Cd(II) and (0.966) for silver Ag(I). This work proposes a cost-effective method for the efficient removal of Cd(II) and Ag(I) from aqueous solutions. The conditions required for effective removal have been optimized.