Flyash based zeolite-A: A suitable sorbent for lead removal

227-233High cost and difficulties in procurement of zeolites in India prohibits its widespread use for environmental remediation. This problem has been overcome in this investigation by usage of cost-effective flyash based zeolite-A (FAZ-A) using process developed by NEERI, which has been patented nationally and internationally. The usage of the new material for removal of lead has been studied and results obtained are encouraging vis-a-vis commercially available zeolite-A. Pore diffusion co-efficient have been worked out and the value obtained are in the range of 1.78 - 2.82 × 10-11 cm2/s for different concentrations of lead. The rate constants have been derived using Lagergren's model indicating the reaction to be of 1st order. The linear plot suggested the applicability of McKay's model on mass transfer analysis to the system. The mass transfer co-efficient varies inversely with initial concentration, The data has been processed in accordance with Langmuir equation and fits well in the particular sorption model, showing the formation of monolayer coverage on zeolite surface with maximum adsorption capacity of 714.28 mg/g.