The removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution using natural Jordanian zeolite.
This research paper investigates the effectiveness of natural Jordanian (NJ) zeolite as an adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals, specifically cadmium and copper, from aqueous solutions. The study was conducted using samples of NJ zeolite sourced from Al Mafraq, northeast Jordan. Key variables affecting the adsorption process, including bulk concentration (Co), contact time (t), and adsorbent mass (m), were systematically evaluated.
The experiments employed a batch adsorption method, with initial heavy metal concentrations ranging from 80 to 600 mg/L. The adsorption data were analyzed using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, revealing that NJ zeolite could remove cadmium and copper with maximum adsorption capacities of 25.9 mg/g and 14.3 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting that the rate of adsorption is dependent on the amount of metal ions adsorbed.
The research paper highlights the significance of NJ zeolite as a practical and cost-effective adsorbent for heavy metal removal, emphasizing its potential in wastewater treatment applications. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable and efficient methods for managing industrial wastewater contaminated with heavy metals.
The research paper is significant in the field of environmental science and wastewater treatment, particularly in addressing the pressing issue of heavy metal contamination in industrial effluents. By demonstrating the efficacy of NJ zeolite, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about low-cost, natural adsorbents as alternatives to conventional methods like activated carbon, which can be expensive and less sustainable.
The research offers valuable insights into the adsorption characteristics of NJ zeolite, including its isotherm and kinetic behavior, which are crucial for designing effective wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, the findings may encourage further exploration of natural zeolites in various environmental applications, promoting sustainable practices in industrial processes.
