Removal of Heavy Metal by Ion Exchange Using Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay was utilized in this research as adsorbent element to remove the lead and copper ions from wastewater. Series of tests were performed at multiple parameters, such as pH solution, initial concentration of lead and copper ions, adsorbent mass, and contact time. The greatest removal was attained at pH 5, adsorbent weight of 0.5 g, initial heavy metal concentration of 10 mg/l, and a contact time of 60 minutes. The results revealed that bentonite clay is suitable in the removal of metal ions from polluted water. The ion exchange rate of lead was faster than that of copper. The isotherm for the adsorption of the lead and copper ions on bentonite clay was confirmed by the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms which offered good consequences. The results indicated that bentonite was utilized as an efficient ion exchange element for the removal of heavy metal ions from polluted water. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) images of bentonite clay before and after adsorption showed the imbibition of metal ions by bentonite clay.