Removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution using a micaceous mineral of Kenyan origin

A micaceous mineral (MicaM) available locally in Kenya was utilized as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent for the removal of Cull ions from aqueous solution. The effects of contact time, pH, temperature, adsorbate and adsorbent concentrations, and the concentration of electrolyte on the removal of Cull ions were studied. Maximum removal of Cu2+ ions occurred over the pH range 4.0-7.0. The adsorption of Cull ions increased with an increase in the dose ratio of mineral to Cu2+ ion concentration and decreased with adsorbent particle size. Isotherm analysis of the adsorption data obtained at 25degreesC showed that the adsorption of Cull ions on MicaM followed both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The uptake of Cu2+ ions increased on increasing the pH of the solution from 1.5 to 7.0 as well as on increasing the temperature from 25(degrees) to 60degreesC. An adsorption capacity of 0.850 g/g was achieved for MicaM towards the Cu2+ ion. This study has demonstrated that locally abundant micaceous mineral can be used as an effective adsorbent for the treatment of waters containing Cull ions without any prior chemical pretreatment.