Mineral clays have been extensively used for metal removal. The process involves precipitation, ion exchange and adsorption. The present investigation assessed the adsorption of Cu (II) solution by natural vermiculite and both natural and synthetic bentonite. Tests were carried out at ambient temperature for the main parameters of the process, i.e., pH, contact time, and adsorbent content. Atomic absorption was also carried out both for the floater and solid residue. All raw materials used herein, i.e., sodic bentonite from Campina Grande-PB, sodic bentonite from Wyoming-USA, synthetic sodic bentonite and vermiculite from Piaui, were characterized both before and after adsorption of Cu (II) solution by chemical analysis, TG, DTA, BET surface area, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and pH determination. The results showed that clay minerals adsorb heavy metals by ionic exchange. Vermiculite was the most efficient material studied adsorbing 40.9% of Cu solution.
vermiculite; clays; adsorption; copper (II)
