Affiliation:
1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematical Engineering and Physical Engineering Polytechnic University of Tirana Tirana Albania
2. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Tirana Tirana Albania
Abstract
ABSTRACTHeavy metal ions are hazardous to both human health and the environment. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay has recently piqued interest for its adsorption capacity of heavy metals and its use in controlling contaminants, in particular in surface and waste waters. This research sheds light on the possibility of the application of natural Albanian MMT clay from the Prrenjas Region of Albania as an adsorbent of Cd (II) ions in aqueous solutions, making a comparison with the capacity of such clay for the adsorption of Pb (II) ions. The set of variables studied included concentrations of metal ions, amount of clay pH, time, and temperature of interaction and adsorption process (all of them following batch technique), and optimal conditions have been determined. The adsorption capacity of natural clay for Cd (II) ions was 6.735 mg/g, as compared to 17.9 mg/g for Pb (II) ions. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to evaluate the mode of adsorption with results showing that all isotherms are linear and the Langmuir model fitted better with the experimental data. It is determined that the adsorption of Cd (II), similar to that of Pb (II), is well‐fitted by the second‐order reaction kinetic following the Lagergen model. The results demonstrate good potentiality for Prrenjas MMT as a low‐cost adsorbent to remove Cd (II) from aqueous systems, in particular, for wastewater treatment.