ADSORPTION OF THE IONS OF ZINC, CADMIUM, COPPER, AND LEAD ON OXIDIZED ANTHRACITE

The adsorption of Cu2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ from aqueous solutions at 20-degrees-C on oxidized anthracite was studied. This oxidized anthracite was prepared by thermal oxidition of anthracite in flowing air. From these isotherms some adsorption parameters have been determined. The metal uptake increased with increasing pH of the solutions. The adsorption of the individual metal ions decreased when the other three ions were present in equal concentrations, but the total metal uptake was considerably higher than in the case of a single ion species. The adsorptive behaviour of oxidized anthracite is explained on the basis of its chemical nature and porous texture.