The removal of copper (II) and lead (II) from aqueous solution using Fuller’s earth and Fuller’s earth-immobilized nanoscale zero valent iron (FE-NZVI) by adsorption

Abstract

The present study investigates the propensity of Fuller's Earth, a diatomaceous earth that is cheap and abundant in several locations whose application is yet to be fully ventured, and Fuller's Earth-Immobilized Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron in removing heavy metal contaminants, particularly Pb 2+ and Cu 2+ , from aqueous solutions through adsorption method. FE-nZVI were synthesized through the borohydride reduction method and subsequently characterized through SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The SEM analysis shows an increase in the agglomeration of the nZVI on the immobilized Fullers' Earth with an increase in the loading of Fe0. Tests were conducted on various samples in order to determine the effect of three parameters on the efficiency of the adsorbent which includes the initial concentration of the heavy metal, adsorbent dosage and pH with respect to time. The results show that the FE-nZVI can be used as a new adsorbent for the sole application of heavy metal remediation in aqueous systems due to its efficiency in removing the contaminants that would allow individuals to conform to the stringent requirements dictated by environmental laws.

Immobilization of Mutant Phosphotriesterase on Fuller’s Earth Enhanced the Stability of the Enzyme

“…In contrast, the free enzyme showed a 35% decrease in hydrolysis activity compared to the control. This is probably because the FE protected the enzyme from direct exposure to the metal ions by stabilizing its microenvironment [23,42].…”

“…Since the typical structure of FE contains strong cations such as Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ and Na 2+ , which ease ionic binding between FE and other components (adsorbates), this property can be exploited to bind enzymes to it [16]. Moreover, the physical structure of FE, which has a large surface area (120-140 m 2 /g), can be further expanded in the presence of water, thereby making it a good candidate for consideration as an enzyme support matrix [17,22,23]. Furthermore, FE is an inexpensive product that is easily available as compared to many other support materials.…”

Synthesis of Metakaolin Based Alkali Activated Materials as an Adsorbent at Different Na2SiO3/NaOH Ratios and Exposing Temperatures for Cu2+ Removal

“…Copper is a persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic chemical, so it is considered the second most toxic metal to aquatic organisms after mercury [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Long-term and continuous exposure to copper and nickel in the body causes nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, respiratory problems, liver and kidney failure, nervous system damage, cancer, and death in humans [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established the allowable Cu (II) ion in water levels at 1.3 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L, respectively, due to their major effects [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

The Influence of Foaming Agent Towards Metakaolin Based Alkali Activated Materials Properties and Cu2+ Adsorption

“…Copper metal is one of the most toxic heavy metals for both humans and the environment [7,8]. Copper is produced in a variety of industries, including metal cleaning and plating baths, paper and paperboard mills, batteries, wood pulp production, tyre manufacture, and fertiliser making [9,10]. Excessive copper heavy metal accumulation in the body may cause major health issues such as organ failure, chronic anaemia, stomach and intestinal inflammation, and liver damage [11][12][13].…”