Adsorption of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn on Sphagnum peat from solutions with low concentrations
Journal article, 2007

This work investigates adsorption of metal ions on Sphagnum peat from solutions with environmentally relevant concentrations of metals. The peat moss is intended as an alternative, low-cost filter material for contaminated waters. Adsorption of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn was studied in batch tests, and adsorption isotherms were determined. The kinetics of adsorption was analyzed using a second-order model and rate constants were calculated. An empirical model for predicting adsorption of metal ions at a given time was derived from these constants. Metal ions were removed in the descending order Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd > Zn. Relationship between the affinities of the metals to the peat active sites with chemical properties for the metals were indicated by the results. In addition, equilibration studies were performed at constant pH and ionic strength. The experimental data fitted the Freundlich equation. Both the uptake of metals and the Freundlich constants increased in line with increasing pH. The Freundlich exponent declined with higher initial concentrations, suggesting adsorption to sites with lower activity.

Freundlich isotherm

Sphagnum peat

Heavy metals

Adsorption

Author

Yuliya Kalmykova

Chalmers, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Environment Technology

FRIST competence centre

Ann-Margret Hvitt Strömvall

Chalmers, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Environment Technology

FRIST competence centre

Britt-Marie Steenari

Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Environmental Inorganic Chemistry

Journal of Hazardous Materials

0304-3894 (ISSN) 18733336 (eISSN)

Vol. 152 152 885-891

Subject Categories

Chemical Sciences

DOI

10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.07.062

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4/5/2022 6