Modification of natural zeolite for Cu removal from waste waters

Abstract

In the current research work, the ability of a Fe-modified clinoptilolite for Cu²⁺ adsorption from aqueous solution was investigated. Mineral characteristics were examined by optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, SEM, and chemical analysis using XRF spectroscopy. Results showed that clinoptilolite, quartz, and gypsum are the main minerals and natural clinoptilolite contained high amounts of SiO₂ (61.0%) and Al₂O₃ (9.3%) in the representative sample. The effects of important parameters including chemical conditioning, initial metal concentration, initial pH, and environmental temperature on Cu²⁺ adsorption were investigated. The results showed that the Cu²⁺ adsorption mechanism was strongly dependent on metal concentration and pH. In addition, adsorption data have been interpreted in terms of Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Basing on observation, Fe-modified clinoptilolite has a particularly high potential for Cu²⁺ removal.

Keywords:

• Clinoptilolite
• Iron nitrate
• Copper
• Adsorption
• Waste water