Removal of Copper Ions from Liquid Wastes by Adsorption Technique

Abstract

The present study aims to removal of copper ions (Cu²⁺) as a heavy metal ion from aqueous solution by a high inorganic molecular weight compound. This compound is modified clay (activated bentonite) which is used in oil well drilling, and obtained from local company. The experimental results showed that it is an adsorption reaction that follows Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum removal of copper ions was obtained at low copper ion initial concentration, high adsorbent dosage, low temperature, and high agitation speed. It is clear from the results obtained that the compound within the experimental range investigated cannot be considered as a method for the removal of waste stream within the experimental range investigated as the residual concentration is higher than the limits which are allowed by the environmental limits which are allowed by the low which is 5 ppm. These results may be due to the high initial copper concentration used in this work and low dosage of the compound.