The Use of Ugwuoba Clay as an Adsorbent for Zinc (II) Ions from Solution

Abstract

The adsorption potential of Ugwuoba clay (Nigeria) for the removal of Zinc (II) ions from aqueous solution was studied. The aim of this experiment was the use of Ugwuoba clay as a cheap alternative adsorbent for Zinc (II) ions in order to assist small scale industries and developing Nations overcome the problems of high cost involved in treating effluents. Batch adsorption technique was used to investigate the effect of initial metal ion concentration, pH, contact time, Sorbent dose and temperature on the adsorption process. Chemical analysis of the clay showed SiO2 and Al2O3 as the major constituents. FTIR analysis revealed some functional groups which could influence the adsorption process. The study on pH revealed the adsorption to be pH dependent as optimum pH was achieved at pH 6.0.Effect of contact time showed a fast initial uptake within 20 minute with equilibrium established before 60 minutes. Temperature experiment indicated an increase in adsorption with increase in temperature. An increase in uptake capacity and a decrease in percentage removal with increase in zinc (II) ion concentration was observed. Similarly, two opposite trend were noted in which there was an increase in percentage removal and a decrease in adsorption capacity with increasing sorbent dose. These result indicated that Ugwuoba clay can be used as a cheap and effective adsorbent for the removal of zinc (II) ions from aqueous solution.