Work

Adsorptivity and selectivity of heavy metals Cd(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) toward phosphogypsum

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The phosphogypsum (PG) is a waste by-product of the wet process of phosphoric acid production. In this study, phosphogypsum was prepared and used as an adsorbent for the removal of cadmium, copper, and zinc ions from aqueous solutions. First, the phosphogypsum was characterized, before and after the adsorption process, by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Then the effect of the initial pH of the metal ions solutions on the adsorption process has been studied. Second, the competitive adsorption of metal ions on phosphogypsum in the ternary mixture was investigated and compared with non-competitive adsorption. The results show that the adsorption of metal ions by phosphogypsum depends on the solution pH. The selectivity order of the adsorbent is Cd 2+ > Cu 2+ > Zn 2+ . From these results, it can be concluded that the phosphogypsum could be a low-cost material for heavy metals removal, especially cadmium ion, from aqueous basic solutions.

Source: Desalination and Water Treatment

DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2020.25964

Authors: Amine Es-Said, Hicham Nafai, Lahcen El Hamdaoui, Ahmed Bouhaouss, Rahma Bchitou

Institution: Mohammed V University

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,000