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Removal of heavy metals through adsorption using sand
M Ali Awan1, Ishtiaq A Qazi, Imran Khalid
1Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. ali.awan@mail.com
Journal of Environmental Sciences (China)
|August 27, 2003
Summary
Ordinary sand effectively removes heavy metals like lead and chromium from water. This study shows sand is a low-cost adsorbent for wastewater treatment, especially in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Heavy metal contamination in wastewater poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Effective and affordable remediation technologies are crucial, particularly for developing countries.
- Ordinary sand presents a potential low-cost adsorbent material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of ordinary sand in removing four heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) from aqueous solutions.
- To determine the adsorption capacity and selectivity of sand for these metals.
- To elucidate the adsorption mechanism based on Langmuir isotherm and surface interactions.
Main Methods:
- Batch adsorption experiments were conducted at 20°C.
- Aqueous solutions containing lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were treated with ordinary sand.
- Langmuir isotherm model was applied to quantify adsorption parameters.
Main Results:
- Sand demonstrated adsorption capabilities for all four heavy metals studied.
- The adsorption capacity followed the order: Pb > Cr > Cu > Zn.
- The Langmuir isotherm parameter (a(m)) indicated monolayer adsorption.
Conclusions:
- Ordinary sand is a viable, low-cost adsorbent for removing heavy metals from wastewater.
- The adsorption mechanism involves interactions between sand's silicate functional groups and metal ions.
- Sand offers a practical solution for heavy metal remediation in resource-limited settings.