Utilisation of phosphatic minerals as pollution sorbents for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Application of a phosphate sample, generated as tails, during beneficiation of an Egyptian phosphate ore was explored as pollutant sorbents for removal of heavy metals such as Cu, Pb and Co ions from aqueous solutions. Experiments were performed for adsorption of single heavy metal species as well as their competitive adsorption, where multiple heavy metal species are present in solution. Adsorption of Cu and Co ions is significantly improved in neutral and alkaline medium. However, complete removal (100%) of Pb ions is noticed over the entire studied range of pH (2-12). The results indicated that there is a preferential adsorption for the heavy metal ions in the following order: Pb.Cu.Co.