REMOVAL OF COPPER(II) USING VERMICULITE

Copper(II) removal efficiency by vermiculite has been investigated through laboratory experiments. The removal phenomenon appears to be consistent with an ion-exchange (exchange adsorption) process. The batch sorption equilibria follows Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The uptake of copper(II) is a function of the pH of the solution and increases with increasing pH. Increasing ionic strength and the presence of soluble complexing agents such as ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) decrease the sorption of copper(II). The presence of other divalent cations like calcium impede the uptake of copper(II). The presence of chloride ion has no significant effect on copper(II) removal. In a fixed bed vermiculite column, the removal efficiency of copper(II) from tap water is less than that from distilled water. Vermiculite can be regenerated with acid and can then be reused.