Equilibrium uptake, sorption dynamics, process development, and column operations for the removal of copper and nickel from aqueous solution and wastewater using activated slag, a low-cost adsorbent

Activated slag developed from blast furnace waste material has been used for the removal of copper and nickel. The effects of particle size distribution, contact time, and surface loading of these metal ions on the adsorbent for their removal have been studied at the optimum pH (5.0 for Cu2+ and 4.0 for Ni2+). Kinetic studies were performed to decide the mechanistic steps of the process and to obtain the thermodynamic parameters. Sorption data have been correlated with both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. Column operations were also performed in an attempt to simulate industrial conditions. The bed-depth-service-time (BDST) model has successfully been applied to the sorptive removal of nickel and copper. experiments have been performed with a goal to recover adsorbate and chemical regeneration of the spent columns without dismantling the same.