Removal of lead (Pb(II)) and zinc (Zn(II)) from aqueous solution using coal fly ash (CFA) as a dual-sites adsorbent

Coal fly ash (CFA) is composed of minerals containing some oxides in crystalline phase (i.e., quartz and mullite), as well as unburned carbon as mesoporous material, thus enabling CFA to act as a dual-sites adsorbent with unique properties. This work focused on the adsorption of Pb(II) and Zn(II) from binary system, a mixture containing two metal ion solutions present simultaneously, onto NaOH-modified CFA (MCFA). Several adsorption tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of several parameters, including pH and contact times. The experiment results indicated that chemical treatment of CFA with NaOH increased pore volume from 0.021 to 0.223 cm(3).g(-)1. In addition, it could also enhance the availability of functional groups on both minerals and unburned carbon, resulting in almost 100% Pb(II) and 97% Zn(II) adsorbed. The optimum pH for adsorption system was pH = 3 and quasi-equilibrium occurred in 240 minutes. Equilibrium data from the experimental results were analyzed using Modified Extended Langmuir (MEL) and Competitive Adsorption Langmuir-Langmuir (CALL) isotherm models. The analysis results showed that the CALL isotherm model could better describe the Pb(II) and Zn(II) adsorption process onto MCFA in binary system compared with MEL isotherm model. (C) 2020 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study focused on the adsorption of Pb(II) and Zn(II) onto NaOH-modified CFA in a binary system, achieving nearly 100% Pb(II) and 97% Zn(II) adsorption. The optimal pH for the adsorption system was found to be 3, with quasi-equilibrium reached in 240 minutes. The Competitive Adsorption Langmuir-Langmuir (CALL) isotherm model provided a better description of the adsorption process compared to the Modified Extended Langmuir (MEL) model.