[Adsorption of calcium ion from aqueous solution using Na(+)-conditioned clinoptilolite for hot-water softening]

This work investigated adsorptive removal of calcium ion (Ca2+) by virtue of Na(+) -conditioned clinoptilolite simulating the process of softening for industrial hot-water system. Influential factors such as the activation/regeneration of sorbent and solution pH were tested. The kinetics/thermodynamics for adsorption of Ca2+ were analyzed and discussed. Results showed that: (1) The adsorption rate was in good agreement with the pseudo-second order kinetic models, and the process of adsorption better followed the Langmuir model; (2) Higher solution temperature allowed an enhanced efficiency on Ca2+ removal, albeit the maximum adsorption capacity of Na(+)-conditioned clinoptilolite was hardly affected; (3) The process of adsorption was dominated by chemisorption, and also characterized by entropy increase with spontaneous/endothermic nature; (4) Solution temperature was suggested to be controlled within the range of 6 to 10, and more than 9 times of sorbent regeneration could be ensured for an effective adsorption towards Ca2+ with initial concentration less than 20 mg x L(-1). It was demonstrated that the activated clinoptilolite should be a promising alternative adsorbent for industrial hot-water softening.