ABSTRACT
Natural zeolites are effective adsorbent materials and low cost for removal of heavy metals compared to conventional methods. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pH and the maximum capacity removal of copper (Cu+2) by natural zeolite available in the region of Southern Brazil (zeolite basalt - ZB) comparing its perfomance with a commercial zeolite imported from Cuba (ZC). The cation exchange capacity of the zeolites was determined by Ammonium saturation method. The particle density was taken by volumetric flask method. The effect of pH on removal was measured at pH 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 (± 0.2) and initial concentrations of 10 and 180 mg L−1. The maximum capacity removal of Cu+2 was assessed at pH 3.0, 4,0 and 5.0 and the initial concentrations of 10, 30, 60, 90, 180 and 270 mg L−1. Quantification of Cu+2 was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry with atomization system type air-acetylene. For the construction of the isotherms was used polynomial regression and the averaged test percentage of Cu+2 removed at different pH values was used the Scott-Knott 5% significance level. The ZC presented capacity cation exchange 40% higher than ZB, but this was not reflected in the removal capacity. There was effect of pH only for ZC in less concentration added. The maximum removal capacity was 2662 kg−1 mg for ZB and 2759 mg kg for ZC in the pH 5.0. The maximum capacity removal Cu+2 ZB is similar to ZC. The ZB can be used to remove metals in laboratory and industrial effluents with low cost.
Keywords:
heavy metals; zeolitic material; adsorbent
