Adsorption Isotherm, Thermodynamics of Copper, Lead and Cadmium Onto Mukurweini’S Kaolinite and Alkali Modified Kaolinte

Makani Bungishabaku Rache^1,a, Patrick Kimutai Tum^2,a, Njomo Njagi^3,a, Nyabaro Obed Mainya^4,b

a. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi-Kenya.
b. Department of Chemistry, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kisii University, P.O. Box 408-40200 Kisii-Kenya.

Abstract: Water supply in Kenya has been defined as being scarce due to multiple causes that include droughts, forest degradation, population growth, and insufficient water supply management. The main freshwater resources include groundwater, water basins, dams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and springs. These water crises have necessitated the invention of cost-effective water treatment methods. The adsorption study was done using seven different adsorbents (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7) and five different adsorbates (Nitrate, Phosphate, lead, Cadmium and Copper). Nitrate and Phosphate adsorption study was done using UV-Vis Spectrometry and Lead, Copper and Cadmium using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Adsorption Isotherm parameter was examined through the potential application of clay-derived zeolites derived from clay material (kaolinite) obtained from Mukurweini in Nyeri County to remedy water contaminated with agricultural waste. It was observed that the adsorbents S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 had similar behavior throughout the adsorption study.

Key Words: Absorbents, zeolites, kaolinite, silicates, Isotherms

Pages: 23 – 29 | Full PDF Paper