Equilibrium studies for the sorption of zinc and copper from aqueous solutions using sugar beet pulp and fly ash

In the present work, the abilities of native sugar beet pulp (SBP) and fly ash (FA) to remove copper (Cu(2+)) and zinc (Zn(2+)) ions from aqueous solutions were compared. The SBP and FA, an industrial by-product and solid waste of sugar industry, were used for the removal of copper and zinc from aqueous water. Batch adsorption experiments were performed in order to evaluate the removal efficiency of SBP and lignite-based FA. The effect of various operating variables, i.e. initial pH, adsorbent dose, initial metal ion concentration, and time on adsorption of copper and zinc onto the SBP and FA, has been studied. The sorption process was relatively fast and equilibrium was reached after about 60 min of contact. As much as 60-97% removal of copper and zinc for SBP and FA are possible in about 60 min, respectively, under the batch test conditions. Uptake showed a pH-dependent profile. The overall uptake for the SBP is at a maximum at pH 5.5 and gives up to 30.9 mg g(-1) for copper and at pH 6.0 and gives 35.6 mg g(-1) for zinc for SBP, which seems to be removed exclusively by ion exchange and physical sorption. Maximum adsorption of copper and zinc occurred 7.0 and 7.84 mg g(-1) at a pH value of 5.0 and 4.0 for FA, respectively. A dose of 8 g l(-1) of SBP and 8 g l(-1) FA were sufficient for the optimum removal of both the metal ions. The sorption data were represented by the Freundlich for SBP and the Langmuir and Freundlich for FA. The sorption data were better represented by the Langmuir isotherm than by the Freundlich one for FA in the adsorption of zinc ion, suggesting that the monolayer sorption, mainly due to ion exchange. The presence of low ionic strength or low concentration of Na and Cl ions does not have a significant effect on the adsorption of these metals by SBP and FA. The SBP and FA are shown to be effective metal adsorbents for these two metals.     

Adsorption behavior of phosphate on lanthanum(III)-coordinated diamino-functionalized 3D hybrid mesoporous silicates material

An inorganic/organic hybrid adsorbent for phosphate adsorption was synthesized by introducing lanthanum (La) onto diamino modified MCM-41. The adsorbent was characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, TGA, and FTIR spectroscopy. A series of batch tests were conducted to investigate the influence of contact time, initial phosphate concentration, pH of the solution, and competitive ions on the phosphate adsorption capacity. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to simulate the sorption equilibrium, and the results indicated that the Langmuir model fitted the experiment data better than the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity calculated from the Langmuir model is 54.3 mg/g. For kinetic study, phosphate adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order equation well with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.99. Optimum pH value for the removal of phosphate was between 3.0 and 7.0. The presence of Cl(-) and NO(3)(-) has neglectable influence on the phosphate adsorption. F(-)and SO(4)(2-) have negative effects on the adsorption of phosphate. Phosphate on the spent adsorbent can be almost released by 0.01 M NaOH solution in 12 min.     

Biosorption of nickel from protonated rice bran

In the present study biosorption technique, the accumulation of metals by biomass was used for the removal of nickel from aqueous medium. The rice bran in its acid treated (H(3)PO(4)) form was used as a low cost sorbent. The adsorption characteristics of nickel on protonated rice bran were evaluated as a function of pH, biosorbent size, biosorbent dosage, initial concentration of nickel and time. Within the tested pH range (pH 1-7), the protonated rice bran displayed more resistance to pH variation, retaining up to 102 mg/g of the nickel binding capacity at pH 6. Meanwhile, at lower pH values the uptake capacity decreased. The % age removal of nickel was maximum at 0.25 g of biosorbent dose and 0.25 mm biosorbent size. At the optimal conditions, metal ion uptake was increased as the initial metal ion concentration increased up to 100mg/L. Kinetic and isotherm experiments were carried out at the optimal pH 6.0 for nickel. The metal removal rate was rapid, with 57% of the total adsorption taking place within 15-30 min. The Freundlich and Langmuir models were used to describe the uptake of nickel on protonated rice bran. The Langmuir and Freundlich model parameters were evaluated. The equilibrium adsorption data was better fitted to Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The adsorption followed pseudo second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic assessment of the metal ion-rice bran biomass system indicated the feasibility and spontaneous nature of the process and DeltaG degrees values were evaluated as ranging from -22.82 to -24.04 kJ/mol for nickel sorption. The order of magnitude of the DeltaG degrees values indicated an ion-exchange physiochemical sorption process.     

Adsorptive removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions using raw and calcinated dolomite

This study explored the feasibility of utilizing raw and calcinated dolomite under CO2 atmosphere for phosphate removal in laboratory experiments. The experimental work emphasized the evaluation of phosphate adsorption characteristics of this adsorbent material. Studies were conducted to delineate the effect of contact time, initial phosphate concentration, temperature, pH, stirring speed, adsorbent dose and calcination temperature. Phosphate removal decreased with increasing temperature and slightly increased with increasing of pH. The observed decrease in the adsorption capacity with increase of the temperature from 20 to 40 and to 60 degrees C indicates that the low temperatures favor the phosphate removal by adsorption onto dolomite. Phosphate removal was seen to decrease with increasing calcination temperature due to the structural changes occurring in the structure and pore size distribution of dolomite samples during calcination. The experimental data obtained were applied to the Freundlich, Langmuir, BET, Halsey, Harkins-Jura, Smith and Henderson isotherm equations to test the fit of these equations to raw and calcinated dolomite samples. By considering the experimental results and adsorption models applied in this study, it can be concluded that adsorption of phosphate occurs predominantly through physical interactions, and the dolomite sample has a heteroporous structure. The large values of the constants for Henderson equation and the high value of y(m) obtained from BET equation indicate the microporous structure is more stable in raw and calcinated dolomite samples.     

Removal of direct blue-106 dye from aqueous solution using new activated carbons developed from pomegranate peel: adsorption equilibrium and kinetics

The use of cheap, high efficiency and ecofriendly adsorbent has been studied as an alternative source of activated carbon for the removal of dyes from wastewater. This study investigates the use of activated carbons prepared from pomegranate peel for the removal of direct blue dye from aqueous solution. A series of experiments were conducted in a batch system to assess the effect of the system variables, i.e. initial pH, temperature, initial dye concentration adsorbent dosage and contact time. The results showed that the adsorption of direct blue dye was maximal at pH 2, as the amount of adsorbent increased, the percentage of dye removal increased accordingly but it decreased with the increase in initial dye concentration and solution temperature. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow pseudo-second-order rate kinetic model, with a good correlation (R(2)>0.99) and intra-particle diffusion as one of the rate determining steps. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-RadushKevich (D-R) and Harkins-Jura isotherms were used to analyze the equilibrium data at different temperatures. In addition, various thermodynamic parameters, such as standard Gibbs free energy (DeltaG degrees ), standard enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ), standard entropy (DeltaS degrees ), and the activation energy (E(a)) have been calculated. The adsorption process of direct blue dye onto different activated carbons prepared from pomegranate peel was found to be spontaneous and exothermic process. The findings of this investigation suggest that the physical sorption plays a role in controlling the sorption rate.     

Studies on sorption of Cd(II) on Tata chromite mine overburden

Chromite mine overburden containing iron as oxide/hydroxide, a waste material generated in chromite mines was used as sorbent for cadmium. The iron content of material was 43.75% with a specific surface area of 50.8m(2)/g. Batch experiments were conducted to study the sorption behavior of Cd(II) on this material. The variable experimental parameters were: time, pH, temperature, Cd(II) and sample concentration. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the overburden sample was experimentally determined as 6.48 which shifted to a pH of 7.8 when the sample was equilibrated with 100 mg/L Cd(II) solution. Maximum loading capacity of the overburden sample was found to be approximately 19 mg Cd/g of material. It was observed that within 30 min the sorption attains equilibrium. Hence, the sorption data generated at 30 min with various initial Cd(II) concentrations and temperatures were taken to evaluate the thermodynamic parameters, i.e., DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees . The DeltaG degrees values reflect the feasibility of the metal removal from aqueous solution. The negative values of DeltaH degrees confirmed the exothermic sorption of cadmium and the positive DeltaS degrees values suggested the increased randomness at the solid-solution interface. The sorption data fitted well to both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models indicating a monolayer sorption. The value of Freundlich parameter 'n' (n is indicative of sorption intensity) lying between 1.46 and 1.59 shows that the surface of the sorbent is heterogeneous in nature.     

Adsorptive removal of Auramine-O: kinetic and equilibrium study

Present study deals with the adsorption of Auramine-O (AO) dye by bagasse fly ash (BFA) and activated carbon-commercial grade (ACC) and laboratory grade (ACL). BFA is a solid waste obtained from the particulate collection equipment attached to the flue gas line of the bagasse fired boilers of cane sugar mills. Batch studies were performed to evaluate the influences of various experimental parameters like initial pH (pH(0)), contact time, adsorbent dose and initial concentration (C(0)) for the removal of AO. Optimum conditions for AO removal were found to be pH(0) approximately 7.0 and equilibrium time approximately 30 min for BFA and approximately 120 min for activated carbons. Optimum BFA, ACC and ACL dosages were found to be 1, 20 and 2g/l, respectively. Adsorption of AO followed pseudo-second order kinetics with the initial sorption rate for adsorption on BFA being the highest followed by those on ACL and ACC. The sorption process was found to be controlled by both film and pore diffusion with film diffusion at the earlier stages followed by pore diffusion at the later stages. Equilibrium isotherms for the adsorption of AO on BFA, ACC and ACL were analyzed by Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherm equations using linear correlation coefficient. Langmuir isotherm gave the best correlation of adsorption for all the adsorbents studied. Thermodynamic study showed that adsorption of AO on ACC (with a more negative Gibbs free energy value) is more favoured. BFA which was used without any pretreatment showed high surface area, pore volume and pore size exhibiting its potential to be used as an adsorbent for the removal of AO.     

Preparation and sorption properties of materials from paper sludge

Three materials were prepared from paper sludge (PS) using different treatment processes and their sorption abilities for phosphate and methylene blue (MB) were determined. The samples were a powder sample prepared by heating PS in air (sample C), a pellet prepared by grinding, forming and heating PS in air (sample G) and a powder prepared by physical activation of PS in flowing wet nitrogen (sample A). The three samples were heated at 600-900 degrees C for 6h. On heating at 700-800 degrees C, the organic fibers, limestone (CaCO3), kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) and talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) in the original PS were converted to amorphous CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CAS) and talc in sample C, while CAS was formed in sample G and activated carbon, CAS and talc was formed in sample A. On heating at 900 degrees C the CAS converted to gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8). The specific surface areas (SBET) of the three samples achieved maximum values of 23, 37 and 70 m2/g upon heating at 700, 600 and 600 degrees C, respectively. The SBET value of the activated sample A was distinctly lower than usually reported for activated carbon. The samples C, G and A achieved maximum phosphate sorption capacities of 2.04, 1.38 and 1.70 mmol/g, calculated from the Langmuir model, upon heating at 700, 700 and 800 degrees C, respectively. The maximum sorption capacity for phosphate in sample C is attributed to the sorption by CAS, namely, adsorption on the alumina component and precipitation as Ca-phosphates. The MB multifunctional sorption capacity of sample A was 0.11 mmol/g. The phosphate and MB sorption rates show better correlation with a pseudo-second order model than with other models.     

Sorption characteristics of Cu(II) ions onto silica gel-immobilized calix[4]arene polymer in aqueous solutions: batch and column studies

In the present study, Cu(II) removal from aqueous solutions by sorption was investigated. Aminopropyl silica gel-immobilized calix[4]arene polymer (APSIC[4]P) was used in sorption as sorbent. During the experimental part of this study, the effect of parameters, such as pH, initial Cu(II) concentration, temperature on Cu(II) removal was observed. In addition, sorption isotherm studies and column studies were made. Maximum Cu(II) removal was obtained at pH 6 and 25 degrees C. In the isotherm studies, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied and it was determined that the experimental data confirmed to Langmuir isotherm model. Batch sorption capacity (q0) was calculated as 5.08 mg/g. The capacity value for column study was obtained by graphical integration as 1.14 mg/g. The Thomas and the Yoon-Nelson models were applied to experimental data to predict the breakthrough curves and to determine the characteristics parameters of the column useful for process design.     

Batch sorption dynamics and equilibrium for the removal of cadmium ions from aqueous phase using wheat bran

Studies on a batch sorption process using wheat bran as a low cost sorbent was investigated to remove cadmium ions from aqueous solution. The influence of operational conditions such as contact time, cadmium initial concentration, sorbent mass, temperature, solution initial pH, agitation speed and ionic strength on the sorption kinetics of cadmium was studied. Pseudo-second-order model was evaluated using the six linear forms as well as the non-linear curve fitting analysis method. Modeling of kinetic results shows that sorption process is best described by the pseudo-second-order model using the non-linear method. The sorption of cadmium was found to be dependent on initial concentration, sorbent mass, solution pH, agitation speed, temperature, ionic strength and contact time. The value of activation energy (12.38 kJ mol(-1)) indicates that sorption has a low potential barrier corresponding to a physical process. Sorption equilibrium isotherms at different temperatures was determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was found that the Langmuir model appears to well fit the isotherm data but a worse correlation was obtained by the Freundlich model. The five Langmuir linear equations as well as the non-linear curve fitting analysis method were discussed. Results show that the non-linear method may be a better way to obtain the Langmuir parameters. Thermodynamic parameters such as DeltaH degrees, DeltaS degrees and DeltaG degrees were calculated. These parameters indicate that the sorption of cadmium by wheat bran is a spontaneous process and physical in nature involving weak forces of attraction and is also endothermic.     

Heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions by activated phosphate rock

The use of natural adsorbent such as phosphate rock to replace expensive imported synthetic adsorbent is particularly appropriate for developing countries such as Tunisia. In this study, the removal characteristics of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc ions from aqueous solution by activated phosphate rock were investigated under various operating variables like contact time, solution pH, initial metal concentration and temperature. The kinetic and the sorption process of these metal ions were compared for phosphate rock (PR) and activated phosphate rock (APR). To accomplish this objective we have: (a) characterized both (PR) and (APR) using different techniques (XRD, IR) and analyses (EDAX, BET-N(2)); and, (b) qualified and quantified the interaction of Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) with these sorbents through batch experiments. Initial uptake of these metal ions increases with time up to 1h for (PR) and 2h for (APR), after then, it reaches equilibrium. The maximum sorption obtained for (PR) and (APR) is between pH 2 and 3 for Pb(2+) and 4 and 6 for Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). The effect of temperature has been carried out at 10, 20 and 40 degrees C. The data obtained from sorption isotherms of metal ions at different temperatures fit to linear form of Langmuir sorption equation. The heat of sorption (DeltaH degrees), free energy (DeltaG degrees) and change in entropy (DeltaS degrees) were calculated. They show that sorption of Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) on (PR) and (APR) an endothermic process. These findings are significant for future using of (APR) for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater under realistic competitive conditions in terms of initial heavy metals, concentrations and pH.     

Kinetic and equilibrium studies of cesium-137 adsorption on olive waste from aqueous solutions

The agricultural by-product, olive pomace, in its raw or carbonized form was used for the removal of ¹³⁷Cs from aqueous solutions. Experimental studies were conducted to evaluate and optimize such factors as the contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial ¹³⁷Cs concentration. The sorption process was described by the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models. Data were interpreted in terms of Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) isotherms. The data obtained show that 120 min is sufficient time to attain the equilibrium. The maximum removal of ¹³⁷Cs was found to be 80 and 99% with raw olive pomace and its carbonized form, respectively. The maximum sorption capacity of the raw and carbonized adsorbent for cesium was 0.360 and 0.565 mol g^?1, respectively.     

Adsorptive removal of phthalate ester (Di-ethyl phthalate) from aqueous phase by activated carbon: a kinetic study

Adsorptive studies were carried out on Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) removal from aqueous phase onto activated carbon. Batch sorption studies were performed and the results revealed that activated carbon demonstrated ability to adsorb DEP. Influence of varying experimental conditions such as DEP concentration, pH of aqueous solution, and dosage of adsorbent were investigated on the adsorption process. Sorption interaction of DEP onto activated carbon obeyed the pseudo second order rate equation. Experimental data showed good fit with both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. DEP sorption was found to be dependent on the aqueous phase pH and the uptake was observed to be greater at acidic pH.     

Removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions using agricultural waste 'maize bran'

Novel biosorbent 'maize bran' has been successfully utilized for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The effect of different parameters such as contact time, sorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were investigated and maximum uptake of Cr(VI) was 312.52 (mgg(-1)) at pH 2.0, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 200mgL(-1) and temperature of 40 degrees C. Effect of pH showed that maize bran was not only removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solution but also reducing toxic Cr(VI) into less toxic Cr(III). The sorption kinetics was tested with first order reversible, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order reaction and it was found that Cr(VI) uptake process followed the pseudo-second order rate expression. Mass transfer of Cr(VI) from bulk to the solid phase (maize bran) was studied at different temperatures. Different thermodynamic parameters, viz., DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees have also been evaluated and it has been found that the sorption was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations for describing sorption equilibrium were applied and it was found that the process was well described by Langmuir isotherm. Desorption studies was also carried out and found that complete desorption of Cr(VI) took place at pH of 9.5.     

Removal of copper(II) from aqueous solution by Jordanian pottery materials

The aim of this work was to assess the possibility of removing some heavy metals from water by a low-cost adsorbent, like Jordanian raw pottery. Five types of raw and modified pottery materials have been investigated. The effects of initial metal concentration, agitation time, pH and temperature on the removal of Cu(II) were studied. A pseudo-first order was used to test the adsorption kinetics. In order to investigate the sorption isotherm, two equilibrium models, the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, were analyzed. The effect of solution pH on the adsorption onto pottery was studied in the pH range 1-5. The adsorption was exothermic at ambient temperature and the computation of the parameters, DeltaH, DeltaS and DeltaG, indicated the interactions to be thermodynamically favorable.     

Remediation of phosphate-contaminated water by electrocoagulation with aluminium, aluminium alloy and mild steel anodes

The present study provides an electrocoagulation process for the remediation of phosphate-contaminated water using aluminium, aluminium alloy and mild steel as the anodes and stainless steel as the cathode. The various parameters like effect of anode materials, effect of pH, concentration of phosphate, current density, temperature and co-existing ions, and so forth, and the adsorption capacity was evaluated using both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The adsorption of phosphate preferably fitting the Langmuir adsorption isotherm suggests monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules. The results showed that the maximum removal efficiency of 99% was achieved with aluminium alloy anode at a current density of 0.2 A dm(-2), at a pH of 7.0. The adsorption process follows second-order kinetics.     

Biosorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution by fallen phoenix tree's leaves

A new adsorbent, the fallen phoenix tree's leaf, has been investigated in order to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. Variables of the system, including contact time, leaf dose, solution pH, salt concentration and initial MB concentration, were adopted to study their effects on MB biosorption. The results showed that as the dose of leaf increased, the percentage of MB sorption increased accordingly. There was no significant difference about the quantity of MB adsorbed onto leaf as the pH was within the range 4.5-10.0. The salt concentration has negative effect on MB removal. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherms. The results of non-linear regressive analysis are that the Langmuir isotherm is better fit than the Freundlich isotherm at different temperature according to the values of determined coefficients (R(2)) and chi(2)-statistic (SS). The Langmuir monolayer saturation capacities of MB adsorbed onto leaf are 80.9, 83.8, 89.7mgg(-1) at 295, 309 and 323K, respectively. Using the equilibrium concentration contents obtained at different temperatures, various thermodynamic parameters, such as DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees , have been calculated. The thermodynamics parameters of MB/leaf system indicate spontaneous and endothermic process. It was concluded that an increase in temperature be advantage to adsorb MB onto leaf.     

Kinetic and equilibrium study for the sorption of cadmium(II) ions from aqueous phase by eucalyptus bark

The efficiency of eucalyptus bark as a low cost sorbent for removing cadmium ions from aqueous solution has been investigated in batch mode. The equilibrium data could be well described by the Langmuir isotherm but a worse fit was obtained by the Freundlich model. The five linearized forms of the Langmuir equation as well as the non-linear curve fitting analysis method were discussed. Results show that the non-linear method may be a better way to obtain the Langmuir parameters. Maximum cadmium uptake obtained at a temperature of 20 degrees C was 14.53mgg(-1). The influence of temperature on the sorption isotherms of cadmium has been also studied. The monolayer sorption capacity increased from 14.53 to 16.47 when the temperature was raised from 20 to 50 degrees C. The DeltaG degrees values were negative, which indicates that the sorption was spontaneous in nature. The effect of experimental parameters such as contact time, cadmium initial concentration, sorbent dose, temperature, solution initial pH, agitation speed, and ionic strength on the sorption kinetics of cadmium was investigated. Pseudo-second-order model was evaluated using the six linear forms as well as the non-linear curve fitting analysis method. Modeling of kinetic results shows that sorption process is best described by the pseudo-second-order model using the non-linear method. The pseudo-second-order model parameters were function of the initial concentration, the sorbent dose, the solution pH, the agitation speed, the temperature, and the ionic strength.     

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of polyvinyl alcohol from aqueous solution on powdered activated carbon

In this study, powdered activated carbon (PAC) was used to remove polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) from the aqueous PVA solution. The adsorption kinetics has been studied pertaining to various initial PVA concentration and PAC dosage. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the second-order kinetics with good correlation. Boyd plot confirmed that external mass transfer was the rate-limiting step in the sorption process. The adsorption isotherm obtained resembled with H-type of isotherm, which indicated a high affinity of the solute for the sorption sites. The Freundlich model appeared to fit the isotherm data better than the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters such as Delta H degrees , Delta S degrees and Delta G degrees were evaluated from the slope and intercept of linear plot of log Kc against (1/T) x 1000. The change in entropy (DeltaS degrees ) and heat of adsorption (Delta H degrees ) of PAC was estimated as 1.45 kJ mol(-1)K(-1) and 365 kJ mol(-1), respectively. The free energy of the adsorption at all temperatures was negative indicating a spontaneous process. The maximum PVA removal of 92% was obtained at a pH of 6.3 and contact time of 30 min for an adsorbent dose of 5 g/L.     

Removal of phosphate from polluted water by lanthanum doped vesuvianite

The adsorption capacities of vesuvianite and lanthanum doped vesuvianite were studied. The effects of different mass ratios of La/vesuvianite at different contact times, pHs, and temperatures on adsorption capacity were also studied. It was found that lanthanum doped vesuvianite exhibited higher adsorption capacity than undoped one due to the reaction of bounded lanthanum with phosphate. The adsorption capacity of lanthanum doped vesuvianite for phosphate removal increased with the increase of La/vesuvianite mass ratio. The Freundlich and Langmuir models were used to simulate the sorption equilibrium, and the results indicate that the Langmuir model had a better correlation with the experimental data than the Freundlich model did. When the initial phosphate concentration was 1 mg P/L, the adsorptive capacity rate would be 1.32 mg P/g lanthanum doped vesuvianite (La/vesuvianite mass ratio ≥0.14) at pH between 6 and 9 after 40 h. The concentrations of residual lanthanum ions in solution at different conditions were measured. Lanthanum doped vesuvianite was also used for the removal of phosphate in a polluted river water and it could be easily recycled once without losing its activity to a greater extent.