Efficient copper removal from wastewater through montmorillonite-supported hydrogel adsorbent

A hybrid hydrogel based on acrylic acid monomer/wheat bran, supported by montmorillonite, was synthesized using in situ polymerization and utilized as an adsorbent to remove Cu (II) ions from an aqueous solution at batch condition. The structural and morphological microanalysis of adsorbents was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The type of water diffusion into the adsorbents was Fickian, and the swelling process has followed Schott's second-order kinetic model. The optimum adsorption conditions were the initial Cu (II) concentration 100 mg/l, pH 7.0, and montmorillonite dosage of 3.0 wt.%. The equilibrium time for the process was determined as 2 hr. The equilibrium data showed close fitting to the linear form of Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity has been determined to be 17.64 mg/g. Hence, montmorillonite-supported hydrogel adsorbent seems to be a promising adsorbent for the copper removal from industrial wastewaters. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A hydrogel adsorbent based on acrylic acid monomer/wheat bran, supported by montmorillonite was synthesized. The adsorbent was efficiently utilized for copper removal from aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacity has been determined to be 17.64 mg/g.