Methionine-montmorillonite composite – A novel material for efficient adsorption of lead ions

A novel and platelike nanomaterial of methionine-montmorillonite composite was successfully prepared and applied to the adsorption of lead ions in aqueous. The application of a series of characterization methods, such as XRD, FT-IR, BET, TG/DTG, SEM revealed the morphology, structure and physicochemical properties of the nanocomposites and confirmed the anchoring effect of methionine on Na-Mt. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the filling arrangement of methionine in the interlayer channel can be oriented along the y-axis or the z-axis or inclined to the silicate surface to form a single layer structure. Under optimized experimental conditions, Met-Mt-0.8 composites were verified to be the most effective adsorbent for Pb²⁺ ion along with a maximum adsorption capacity of 117.79 mg/g, significantly higher than that of Na-Mt (101.11 mg/g). Gaussian program and Multiwfn program were united to take a sight on the microscopic adsorption mechanism of Met-Mt and Pb²⁺, concluding that methionine formed a complex with lead ions and facilitated them to lock in the montmorillonite layer. Moreover, methionine is ligated with Pb²⁺ by oxygen atom on C-OH in the carboxyl group.     

Kinetics and equilibrium isotherms of adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) onto raw and arginine-modified montmorillonite

Arg-Mt, was fabricated by modifying sodium montmorillonite (Na-Mt) with Arginine monohydrochloride (Arg salt), to adsorb Pb(II) and Cu(II) in aqueous solution. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum, thermal analysis (TG/DTG), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to investigate the properties of Na-Mt and Arg-Mt. The effects of the amount of modifier, pH value, the initial concentration of M(II), temperature and contact time were tested in a single adsorption system. The isotherm model was well matched with the Langmuir curve and the kinetic adsorption fitted well with the pseudo-second-order rate equation. The saturated adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) by Arg-Mt were 124.69 and 29.15?mg/g, respectively, which were higher than that of Na-Mt (89.08 and 23.93?mg/g). The thermodynamic equation indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic, and the randomness of the samples changed a little after adsorption. The adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions in the binary co-adsorption system was poor than single adsorption system. Furthermore, the adsorbed M(II) onto Arg-Mt can hardly be dissolved under weak acidic condition (pH?>?4) according to the desorption experiments. High-efficiency and low-cost make Arg-Mt to be used in the removal of heavy ions in aqueous solution.     

Application of titanate nanotubes for dyes adsorptive removal from aqueous solution

The potential of adsorptive removal of basic dyes with titanate nanotubes (TNTs) and acid dyes with surfactant (hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) chloride)-modified TNTs were investigated. TNTs were prepared via a hydrothermal method and subsequently washed with HCl aqueous solutions of different concentrations. The prepared TNTs were then mediated by the HDTMA ions through the cation exchange process. Effects of acid washing and HDTMA-modified process on the revolution of microstructure and surface chemistry characteristics of TNTs were characterized with XRD, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, and FTIR. The adsorption capacities of two basic dyes (two acid dyes) on TNTs (their HDTMA-modified version) at initial dye concentration of 2000 mg/L were measured. It was experimentally concluded that if the amount of Na(+) in the TNTs was not very low, the TNTs and their HDTMA-modified version might be a good adsorbent for the removal of basic and acid dyes from aqueous solution through the cation and anion exchange mechanism, respectively. The adsorption capacity for basic and acid dyes could reach 380 and 400 mg/g, respectively.     

Sorption of some rare earth elements from aqueous solutions using copolymer/activated carbon composite: Multivariate optimization approach

The present study investigated the sorption of Ce³⁺, Nd³⁺ and Gd³⁺ cations from aqueous solutions via the use of a synthesized poly (acrylamide-acrylic acid)/activated carbon ((P-AM-AA)/AC) prepared by ? Radiation-Induced Template polymerization technique. The effect of absorbed ? radiation dose rate (kGy/hr) and cross linker concentration on the sorption efficacy of the synthesized composite toward the concerned lanthanides was studied. The structure of the synthesized composite was confirmed by different characterization techniques. Batch sorption studies for Ce³⁺, Nd³⁺ and Gd³⁺ onto (P-AM-AA)/AC were investigated as a function of contact time, pH and cations concentration. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize and simulate the sorption of the concerned cations from the solution onto the synthesized material. The studied factors include initial cation concentration, solution pH, contact time and temperature. From the desirability analysis it is found that, the optimal sorption efficacy of the cations onto the synthesized sorbent was determined as 50 mg/l, 3.9 pH, 7 min and 333 K for acquiring percentage sorption more than 98% with optimal desirability of 0.99.     

Sorption study of an acid dye from an aqueous solution on modified Mg-Al layered double hydroxides

In this paper, experimental methods and results are reported on the removal of the dye Green Bezanyl-F2B (an acid dye) from MgAlCO(3) (HT) and from intercalated anionic surfactant, "sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS)", into the Mg-Al layered double hydroxides by the calcination-rehydration reaction using Mg-Al oxide precursors calcined at 773 K. Dodecylsulfate hydrotalcite was prepared by the calcination-rehydration method. The surfactant intercalation in the interlayer space of hydrotalcite was investigated by XRD and FT-IR spectroscopy where the resulting materials were found to be similar to those reported in the literature and were used to remove an acid dye from an aqueous solution. Equilibrium time and rate-determining step of the dye Green Bezanyl-F2B sorption were determined. Two simplified kinetic models were tested to investigate the sorption. The adsorption capacity data were also fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich equation as well. The sorption data fitted to the Langmuir model gave good values of the determination coefficient.     

Sorption behaviors of aromatic anions on loess soil modified with cationic surfactant

Modification of soils with hydrophobic cationic surfactants is an effective approach for enhancing the sorptive capabilities of soil in the vadose zone for the purpose of retaining organic contaminants prior to cleanup. The objective of this study was to examine the sorptive behavior of the cationic surfactant-modified loess soil for aromatic anions in the aqueous phase in an attempt to define the sorptive mechanisms. Some dominant factors governing the sorption, such as ionic strength and divalent heavy metal cation, were investigated. The sorption isotherms of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and benzoic acid (BA) in the modified soil samples were obtained using the batch equilibration method. Under the laboratory conditions, the modified loess soil utilized in this study was prepared by replacing the cations of loess soil with a cationic surfactant—hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) bromide. The acidic aromatic compounds, DNP and BA existing as aromatic anions in the natural mixture of loess soil and aqueous phase, were selected as indicator compounds to measured the sorption behaviors of aromatic anions on the HDTMA-modified loess soil. The results confirmed that the sorptive capabilities of aromatic anions in loess soil were greatly enhanced by modification with HDTMA. The increase of ionic strength and the addition of divalent heavy metal cation Zn²⁺ significantly increased the sorption of aromatic anions on the HDTMA-modified loess soil. In binary solute systems, the sorbed amounts either of DNP or BA on the HDTMA-modified loess soil were reduced if two compounds existed simultaneously in the soil. This results indicated that competitive adsorption between the two aromatic anions occurred in soil matrix.     

Effect of quaternary ammonium cation loading and pH on heavy metal sorption to Ca bentonite and two organobentonites

Sorption of four heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Hg) to calcium bentonite (Ca bentonite), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bentonite (HDTMA bentonite) and benzyltriethylammonium bentonite (BTEA bentonite) was measured as a function of the quaternary ammonium cation (QAC) loading at 25, 50 and 100% of the clay's cation-exchange capacity (CEC). The effects of pH on the surface charge of the clays and heavy metal sorption were also measured. Sorption of Cd, Pb, and Zn was non-linear and sorption of all three metals by HDTMA and BTEA bentonites decreased as the QAC loading increased from 25 to 100%. In most cases, sorption of these metals to 25% BTEA and 25% HDTMA bentonite was similar to or greater than sorption to Ca bentonite. Hg sorption was linear for both HDTMA and BTEA bentonite. No significant effect on Hg sorption was observed with increasing QAC loading on BTEA bentonite. However, an increase of Hg sorption was detected with increasing QAC loading on HDTMA bentonite. This behavior suggests that a process different than cation exchange was the predominant Hg sorption mechanism. Cd, Pb, and Zn sorption decreased with pH. However, this effect was stronger for Cd and Pb than Zn. Hg sorption varied inversely with pH. QAC loading affected the surface charge of the clays. Twenty-five and 50% loading of BTEA cations increased the negative charge on the clay's surface relative to the untreated clay, without affecting the zero point of charge (ZPC) of the clay. Increased QAC loading on HDTMA bentonite causes the surface charge to become more positive and the ZPC increased. One hundred percent of HDTMA bentonite maintained a positive surface charge over the range of pH values tested. The organoclays studied have considerable capacity for heavy metal sorption. Given that prior studies have demonstrated the strong sorption capacity of organoclays for nonionic organic pollutants, it is likely that organoclays can be useful sorbents for the treatment of effluent streams containing both organic contaminants and heavy metals.     

Uptake of permanganate from aqueous environment by surfactant modified montmorillonite batch and fixed bed studies

Organo-clay was prepared by incorporating different amounts (in terms of CEC, ranging from 134?C840 mg of quaternary ammonium cation (QACs) such as hexadecytrimethylammonium bromide ([C₁₉H₄₂N]Br) into the montmorillonite clay. Prepared organo-clays are characterized by CHN analyser and XRD to measure the amount of elemental content and interlayer spacing of surfactant modified clay. The batch experiments of sorption of permanganate from aqueous media by organo-clays was studied at different acidic strengths (pH 1?C7). The experimental results show that the rate and amount of adsorption of permanganate was higher at lower pH compared to raw montmorillonite. Laboratory fixed bed experiments were conducted to evaluate the breakthrough time and nature of breakthrough curves. The shape of the breakthrough curves shows that the initial cationic surfactant loadings at 1??0 CEC of the clay is enough to enter the permanganate ions in to the interlamellar region of the surfactant modified smectile clays. These fixed bed studies were also applied to quantify the effect of bed-depth and breakthrough time during the uptake of permanganate. Calculation of thermodynamic parameters shows that the sorption of permanganate is spontaneous and follows the first order kinetics.     

Preparation and characterization of organo-montmorillonites. Application in adsorption of the 2,4,5-trichlorophenol from aqueous solution

X-ray diffraction has been used to study the changes in the surface properties of montmorillonitic clay through the changes in the basal spacings of sodium-montmorillonite (NaMt), acid-activated montmorillonite (AMt), pillared-montmorillonite (AlMt) and surfactant-intercalated organoclays. The basal spacing value of the NaMt increased from 12.01 to 18.1 Å by pillaring with Keggin ions ((hydroxyaluminum polycation) and until 21 Å by intercalation of the cationic surfactant in the interlayer space of the clay. Confirmations of the intercalated cationic surfactant have been characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal decomposition of montmorillonites modified with the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) takes place in four steps. The surface areas of organo-montmorillonites were found to be much lower than that of raw montmorillonite. Surface areas of pillared and acid-activated montmorillonite are very high. This was explained by the emergence of the micropores and mesopores in the structure of the sample resulting from treatment. Adsorption of the 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP) onto samples was studied. The greatest value of adsorption capacity of samples is attributed to the organo-montmorillonite (MtC16).     

Sorption of Cr(VI) ions on two Lewatit-anion exchange resins and their quantitative determination using UV-visible spectrophotometer

The sorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions with macroporous resins which contain quarternary amine groups (Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500) was studied at varying Cr(VI) concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, contact time and temperature. Batch shaking sorption experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500 anion exchange resins in the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The concentration of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution was determined by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The ion exchange process, which is dependent on pH, showed maximum removal of Cr(VI) in the pH range 3-7 for an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 1x10(-3) M. The optimum pH for Cr(VI) adsorption was found as 5.0 for Lewatit MP 64 and 6.0 for Lewatit MP 500. The maximum Cr(VI) adsorption at pH 5.0 is 0.40 and 0.41 mmol/g resin for Lewatit MP 64 and Lewatit MP 500 anion exchangers, respectively. The maximum chromium sorption occurred at approximately 60 min for Lewatit MP 64 and 75 min for Lewatit MP 500. The suitability of the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models was also investigated for each chromium-sorbent system. The uptake of Cr(VI) by the anion exchange resins was reversible and so it has good potential for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Both ion exchangers had high bonding constants but Lewatit MP 500 showed stronger binding. The rise in the temperature caused a slight decrease in the value of the equilibrium constant (K(c)) for the sorption of Cr(VI) ion.     

Attenuating toluene mobility in loess soil modified with anion-cation surfactants

Soils, subsoils, and aquifer materials can be modified with hydrophobic cationic surfactants to increase their sorption capabilities for organic contaminants. The objective of this study was to examine in detail the sorptive characteristics of the natural loess soil and the resultant organo-modified soils for aqueous-phase neutral organic compounds (NOCs) in an attempt to define the operative sorptive mechanisms. Under the laboratory conditions, a series of modified loess soils in this study were prepared by replacing the cations of loess soil with both cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br) and anionic surfactant sodium dodethylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). Toluene was selected as an indicator to study the sorption behavior of the NOCs in loess soils. The sorption isotherms of toluene in soil samples obtained using the batch equilibration method. The results indicated that natural loess had a poor sorption capability for NOCs, and sorption isotherms of toluene appeared likely nonlinear and fit the Freundlich equation very well. When the soils were coated with large alkyl surfactants such as HDTMA-Br, sorption isotherms correspondingly became linear and the sorptive capability was prominently dependent on the quantity of hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA) and SDBS added into the soils. The study could provide an essential basis on attenuation of organic contaminants in the subsurface environment.     

Characterization of sodium dodecyl sulfate modified iron pillared montmorillonite and its application for the removal of aqueous Cu(II) and Co(II)

Anionic surfactant modified Fe-pillared montmorillonites were prepared by Fe-hydrate solution and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution. These organo–inorgano complex montmorillonites were divided into three types (CM1, CM2 and CM3) depending on different intercalation processes. X-ray diffraction spectra, the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra were used to analyze the structure of the raw and modified montmorillonites. X-ray photoelectron spectra of the simples have been studied to determine spectral characteristics to allow the identification of Fe(III) hydroxide. The specific surface area of the host montmorillonite (M0) is 73.2 m²/g, while for the modified montmorillonites it is 114.0 m²/g, 117.2 m²/g, and 115.8 m²/g, respectively. The mesopore volumes of the montmorillonites decrease after modification. Ions of copper and cobalt were selected as adsorbates to evaluate the adsorption performance of each montmorillonite. The adsorption data was analyzed by both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models and the data was well fit by the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption was efficient and significantly influenced by metal speciation, metal concentration, contact time, and pH. Higher adsorption capacity of the modified montmorillonites were obtained at pH 5–6. The results of desorption indicated that the metal ions were covalently bound to the modified montmorillonites.     

Adsorption of As(V) on surfactant-modified natural zeolites

Natural mordenite (NM), natural clinoptilolite (NC), HDTMA-modified natural mordenite (SMNM) and HDTMA-modified natural clinoptilolite (SMNC) have been proposed for the removal of As(V) from aqueous solution (HDTMA=hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide). Influence of time on arsenic sorption efficiency of different sorbents reveals that NM, NC, SMNM and SMNC require about 20, 10, 110 and 20h, respectively to reach at state of equilibrium. Pseudo-first-order model was applied to evaluate the As(V) sorption kinetics on SMNM and SMNC within the reaction time of 0.5h. The pseudo-first-order rate constants, k are 1.06 and 0.52h(-1) for 1 and 0.5g of SMNM, respectively. The observed k values 1.28 and 0.70h(-1) for 1 and 0.5g of SMNC, respectively are slightly high compared to SMNM. Surfactant surface coverage plays an important role and a significant increase in arsenate sorption capacity could be achieved as the HDTMA loading level on zeolite exceeds monolayer coverage. At a surfactant partial bilayer coverage, As(V) sorption capacity of 97.33 and 45.33mmolkg(-1) derived from Langmuir isotherm for SMNM and SMNC, respectively are significantly high compared to 17.33 and 9.33mmolkg(-1) corresponding to NM and NC. The As(V) uptake was also quantitatively evaluated using the Freundlich and Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR) isotherm models. Both SMNM and SMNC removed arsenic effectively over the initial pH range 6-10. Desorption performance of SMNM and SMNC were 66.41% and 70.04%, respectively on 0.1M NaOH regeneration solution.     

Physicochemical Reasons for the Use of TiOHPO4 for Treatment of Liquid Radioactive Waste

Heterogeneous exchange of the proton of hydrated titanyl hydrogen phosphate with Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs cations in aqueous solutions was studied potentiometrically. The sorption equations were proposed. The concentration and thermodynamic equilibrium constants were calculated. The optimal pH range of the solution providing effective sorption of radioactive cesium on hydrated titanyl hydrogen phosphate was determined. The decrease in the efficiency of radiocesium sorption from liquid waste with a high content of competing nonradioactive alkali metal cations is due to a decrease in the pH of this solution in the course of the sorption. To provide efficient sorption removal of radiocesium, the pH should be maintained in the range 4-7, or the sodium form of the sorbent should be used. The selectivity of radiocesium sorption on TiOHPO₄ in the presence of excess sodium cation was estimated.     

Thorough removal of inorganic and organic mercury from aqueous solutions by adsorption on Lemna minor powder

Sorption of the cationic surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium cations (HDTMA), on the solid/liquid interface of the natural mordenite tuff (MT) was studied. The examined tuff originated from Croatia consisting of 30% of mordenite. SEM observations confirmed the crystalline nature of mordenite which can be described in terms of aggregates of many small platelets with diameters in the range of 1 μm. Studying the porosity properties of MT, it was found that the average pore diameter (4.42 nm) between mordenite's platelets allows penetration of HDTMA cations. The measurements of zeta potential indicated that in MT samples with surfactant concentration in the range between 0.013 and 0.25 mmol/g, HDTMA cations fill the mesopores of MT. By further increase in HDTMA concentration, the surfactant sorbs on the external zeolite surface, as revealed by the SEM micrographs. Vibrational (FTIR and FT Raman) spectra showed that in the MT samples with initial HDTMA concentration from 0.013 to 0.25 mmol/g, alkyl chains adopt mainly gauche conformation, whereas in the MT samples with higher initial HDTMA concentrations trans conformers are predominant and form a highly ordered structure on the mordenite surface.     

EDTA impact on Cd2+ migration in apatite-water system

The impact factors on Cd sorption and desorption in aqueous solution on apatite were studied. Batch experiments were carried out using synthetic hydroxyapatite with Ca/P 1.44, 1.66 and 1.94 in Cd(NO3)2 and Cd(NO3)2-EDTA equimolar complex solutions in the pH range from 4 to 7. It was established that Cd sorption on apatite depends not only on apatite specific surface area but also on Ca/P mole ratio in apatite as well as on the presence of chelating compounds. Presence of EDTA in the solution decreases the amount of Cd bound. [CdEDTA]2- prevents chemical sorption of Cd2+ ions on apatite. EDTA considerably decreases the sorption capacity of apatite with Ca excess. Impact of EDTA is smaller for the stoichiometric apatite and for the apatite with calcium deficiency. Cd bound due to adsorption is more easily removed from apatite. Ca2+ ions increase and presence of EDTA in a solution cause total Cd desorption from apatite.     

污泥制备活性炭对 Pb(Ⅱ)和Ni(Ⅱ)的吸附和回收利用

在静态条件下研究了用污泥制备的活性炭吸附剂去除水溶液中Pb(Ⅱ)、Ni(Ⅱ)的效果,考察了溶液pH值、吸附时间、吸附剂用量和Pb(Ⅱ)、Ni(Ⅱ)的初始浓度对去除率的影响.结果表明,污泥制备的活性炭吸附剂对Pb(Ⅱ)、Ni(Ⅱ)具有较强的吸附性能,pH值是影响吸附的主要因素;吸附过程符合Langmuir吸附等温式;在试验条件下,其对Pb(Ⅱ)具有更高的去除能力.还探讨了吸附Pb(Ⅱ)、Ni(Ⅱ)后回收铅和镍的可行性.     

Uptake of trivalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions using kaolinite

The sorption of Cr(III) from aqueous solutions on kaolinite has been studied by a batch technique. We have investigated how solution pH, ionic strength and temperature affect this process. The adsorbed amount of chromium ions on kaolinite has increased with increasing pH and temperature when it has decreased with increasing ionic strength. The sorption of Cr(III) on kaolinite is endothermic process in nature. Sorption data have been interpreted in terms of Freundlich and Langmuir equations. The adsorption isotherm was measured experimentally at different conditions, and the experimental data were correlated reasonably well by the adsorption isotherm of the Langmuir, and the isotherm parameters (q(m) and K) have been calculated as well. The enthalpy change for chromium adsorption has been estimated as 7.0 kJ mol(-1). The order of enthalpy of adsorption corresponds to a physical reaction.     

Removal of lead ions in aqueous solution by hydroxyapatite/polyurethane composite foams

We have prepared hydroxyapatite/polyurehthane (HAp/PU) composite foams with two different HAp contents of 20 and 50 wt.% and investigated their removal capability of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions with various initial Pb2+ ion concentrations and pH values of 2-6. HAp/PU composite foams synthesized exhibited well-developed open pore structures which provide paths for the aqueous solution and adsorption sites for Pb2+ ions. With increasing the HAp content in the composites, the removal capability of Pb2+ ions by the composite foams increases owing to the higher adsorption capacity, whereas the removal rate is slower due to the less uniform dispersity of HAp in composite foams. The removal rate of Pb2+ ions is also slower with increasing the initial Pb2+ ion concentration in aqueous solutions. The removal mechanism of Pb2+ ion by the composites is varied, depending on the pH value of aqueous solution: the dissolution of HAp and precipitation of hydroypyromorphite is dominant at lower pH 2-3, the adsorption of Pb2+ ions on the HAp/PU composite surface and ion exchange reaction between Ca2+ of HAp and Pb2+ in aqueous solution is dominant at higher pH 5-6, and two removal mechanisms compete at pH 4. The equilibrium removal process of Pb2+ ions by the HAp/PU composite foam at pH 5 was described well with the Langmuir isotherm model, resulting in the maximum adsorption capacity of 150 mg/g for the composite foam with 50 wt.% HAp content.     

Comparison of adsorption capacity of young brown coals and humic acids prepared from different coal mines in Anatolia

Binding of Zn2+ and Cd2+ cations to relatively young brown coals YBC (lignite), humic acids (HAs) and commercial humic acid (CHA) were studied in aqueous media at pH 2.7-6 by polarographic method. This study was conducted to evaluate the removal of heavy metals in an aquatic system without prior treatment. The general principles of cation binding to YBC and humic materials are discussed. Sorption of heavy metal ions (Zn2+ and Cd2+) on samples of YBCs from three areas (Ilgin, Beysehir, and Ermenek) in the vicinity of the city of Konya in Anatolia (Turkey) were compared with sorption of these metal ions on HAs, prepared from these YBCs. The ability of both types of sorbent to remove metals from aqueous solutions was studied as a function of pH and concentration of initial metal solutions. Sorption depends strongly on pH, the origin of the YBC and on the nature of the metal ion. Whereas, for YBCs the main ligand groups seem to be carboxylate ions, this is not the case for the HA polymers, prepared from three YBCs, which differ substantially from properties of commercial samples of "HA". The process is very efficient especially in the case of low concentrations of pollutants in water, where common methods are either economically unfavorable or technically complicated. Of the two metal ions examined, Cd2+ was found to form the most stable HA complexes, followed by Zn. Effective removal of metals was demonstrated at pH-values of 5-5.7. The adsorption isotherm was measured at 25 degrees C, using adsorptive solutions at the optimum pH-value to determine the adsorption capacity. An important aspect of the proposed method was that the removal was performed on several metals at a pH-range in which a given metal undergoes an adsorption process making the method useful for wastewater treatment.