“…Among these methods, the adsorption method is an effective method for the removal of heavy metal ions because of its advantages, which are easy operation, mild adsorption conditions, good adaptability and high efficiency. However, it has become a trend to find efficient, low-cost and readily available adsorbents (activated sludge 21 , 22 , industrial waste 23 , 24 , shell powder 22 , 25 , zeolite 26 , steel slag 27 , agricultural and forestry waste 28 ) to replace the traditional expensive adsorbents. Among many low-cost adsorbents, lignite stands out because it is a natural mineral with low calorific value upon combustion.…”