The removal of copper (II) and lead (II) from aqueous solution using Fuller’s earth and Fuller’s earth-immobilized nanoscale zero valent iron (FE-NZVI) by adsorption

Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino St, Ermita Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Corresponding author: erison.roque@adamson.edu.ph

Abstract

The present study investigates the propensity of Fuller’s Earth, a diatomaceous earth that is cheap and abundant in several locations whose application is yet to be fully ventured, and Fuller’s Earth-Immobilized Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron in removing heavy metal contaminants, particularly Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ , from aqueous solutions through adsorption method. FE-nZVI were synthesized through the borohydride reduction method and subsequently characterized through SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The SEM analysis shows an increase in the agglomeration of the nZVI on the immobilized Fullers’ Earth with an increase in the loading of Fe0. Tests were conducted on various samples in order to determine the effect of three parameters on the efficiency of the adsorbent which includes the initial concentration of the heavy metal, adsorbent dosage and pH with respect to time. The results show that the FE-nZVI can be used as a new adsorbent for the sole application of heavy metal remediation in aqueous systems due to its efficiency in removing the contaminants that would allow individuals to conform to the stringent requirements dictated by environmental laws.