Response surface methodology for cobalt removal from aqueous solutions using Isparta pumice and zeolite 4A adsorbents

In this study, the adsorption of non-radioactive cobalt ions from aqueous solutions onto Isparta pumice and zeolite 4A sorbents was investigated. Both adsorbent materials have been activated at 873 K for 2 h prior to adsorption experiments in batch mode. The maximum removal efficiencies of 90% and 99% have been obtained experimentally using Isparta pumice and zeolite 4A, respectively. In addition, the experiments with radioactive 60Co were performed to test zeolite ability to remove radioactive compounds. Likewise, the response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied to develop the predictive regression models to describe the adsorption of cobalt and radiocobalt ions onto zeolite 4A and Isparta pumice. The results indicated that zeolite 4A as well as Isparta pumice could be used as the efficient sorption materials for cobalt and radiocobalt ions removal.