Effect of pH on The Adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using a Natural Clay from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Abstract

The adsorptions of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions were studied using a natural locally available clay sample obtained from Sango area, Ilorin, Kwara State as adsorbent. The batch technique was employed and the effect of pH on the adsorption processes was studied. The adsorptions of the metal ions were found to be dependent on the pH at which the experiments were carried out. A greater affinity of the clay was observed for Cu2+ than Pb2+ with maximum adsorption capacities being 944.8 mg/g and 702.6 mg/g respectively. The results indicated that clay in its natural form can be used as an alternative in the treatment waters that are contaminated with these metals.