Removal of Zn (II) from Aqueous Solution onto Kaolin by Batch Design

International audienceThe Algerian kaolin clay was investigated to remove Zn(II) heavy metal ion from aqueous solution. The effect of contact time, initial metal ion concentration, pH and temperature was experimentally studied in batch mode to evaluate the adsorption capacity, kinetic, thermodynamic and equilibrium. The extent of zinc adsorption increased with increasing initial concentration of adsorbat, pH and temperature. The linear Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe equilibrium isotherms and both models fitted well. The monolayer adsorption capacity for Zn(II) ions was 12.23 mg per g of kaolin clay at pH 6.1 and 25˚C. Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm model was also applied to the equilibrium data. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Zn(II) onto kaolin clay was spontaneous and endothermic process in nature. Furthermore, the Lagergren-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were used to describe the kinetic data. The experimental data fitted well the pseudo-second-order kinetic. As a result, the kaolin clay may be used for removal of zinc from aqueous media