Hazardous ions uptake behavior of thermally activated steel-making slag

This study concerns the utilization of waste steel-making slag, a by-product that contains mainly CaO, Fe(2)O(3) and SiO(2). The as-received slag was ground and thermally activated by temperature treatment from 110 to 1000 degrees C for 24 h. Although the as-received slag was amorphous, it became partially crystallized during grinding. These crystalline phases were larnite and iron oxide but other crystalline phases also appeared in addition to larnite after calcination. The uptake of Ni(2+), PO(4)(3-) and NH(4)(+) by the samples was investigated from solutions with initial concentrations of 10 mmol/l. The sample calcined at 800 degrees C showed the highest Ni(2+) uptake (4.85 mmol/g) whereas the highest simultaneous uptake of PO(4)(3-) (2.75 mmol/g) and NH(4)(+) (0.25 mmol/g) was achieved by calcining the material at 700 degrees C. The principal mechanism of Ni(2+) uptake is thought to involve replacement of Ca(2+) by Ni(2+). The mechanism of PO(4)(3-) uptake is mainly by formation of calcium phosphate while that of NH(4)(+) involves sorption by the porous silica surface of the samples.     

Removal of phosphate from aqueous solution with blast furnace slag

Blast furnace slag was used to remove phosphate from aqueous solutions. The influence of pH, temperature, agitation rate, and blast furnace slag dosage on phosphate removal was investigated by conducting a series of batch adsorption experiments. In addition, the yield and mechanisms of phosphate removal were explained on the basis of the results of X-ray spectroscopy, measurements of zeta potential of particles, specific surface area, and images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the particles before and after adsorption. The specific surface area of the blast furnace slag was 0.4m(2)g(-1). The removal of phosphate predominantly has taken place by a precipitation mechanism and weak physical interactions between the surface of adsorbent and the metallic salts of phosphate. In this study, phosphate removal in excess of 99% was obtained, and it was concluded that blast furnace slag is an efficient adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from solution.     

Simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions by compounds prepared from paper sludge ash

Al-containing CaO-SiO(2)-H(2)O phases were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of mixtures of paper sludge ash (PSA) with various silica and calcia sources and their properties were determined with particular reference to the simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, which are implicated in the eutrophication of lakes and ponds. After examination of various silica and calcia sources, Ca(OH)(2) and SiO(2) sol were selected as the most appropriate starting materials. Dry milling was found to be superior to wet milling in avoiding contamination from the milling media during mixing. Nine samples with three different Ca/Si ratios and Al(2)O(3) contents were prepared with various mass ratios of Ca(OH)(2), PSA and SiO(2). The chemical compositions of the hydrothermal products of these mixtures moved towards the tieline of CaSiO(3)-PSA, with respect to the starting compositions. The major phase formed in all samples was poorly crystalline C-S-H(I), with hydroxysodalite also formed in the Al-containing mixtures. All the products showed a capacity for the simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions. The saturated sorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir equation ranged from 0.9 to 2.4mmol/g for the ammonium ion and from 3.3 to 5.2mmol/g for the phosphate ion. Since the sorption capacities for both ions increased with increasing Ca contents of the product, substitution of Ca(2+) for NH(4)(+) and the formation of calcium phosphate phases such as apatite and brushite by precipitation are thought to be the main sorption mechanisms.     

Simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions by composites of γ-alumina/potassium aluminosilicate gel

The simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions from solution by composites of γ-alumina/potassium aluminosilicate (KAS) gel has been investigated. The composites were prepared by selective leaching of calcined kaolinite (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) using KOH solution, followed by neutralization of the leachate at pH 5.5 with nitric acid. The composites were reacted with solutions containing various concentrations of (NH₄)₂HPO₄ at pH 5, 7 and 10 at room temperature for 24 h to examine their uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions. Simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions was found, the uptake of ammonium ions being greater than for phosphate ions, especially at pH=7. This observation is considered to result mainly from the porous properties of the composites, which should therefore be controlled to enhance the simultaneous uptake of both ions, especially phosphate ion.     

Removal of ammonium ion from aqueous solution using natural Turkish clinoptilolite

A study on ion exchange kinetics and equilibrium isotherms of ammonium ion on natural Turkish clinoptilolite (zeolite) was conducted using a batch experiment technique. The effects of relevant parameters, such as temperature, contact time and initial ammonium (NH(4)(+)) concentration were examined, respectively. The pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order kinetic models and intraparticle diffusion model were used to describe the kinetic data. The pseudo second-order kinetic model provided excellent kinetic data fitting (R(2)>0.990) and intraparticle diffusion effects ammonium uptake. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms for ammonium uptake and the Langmuir model agrees very well with experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters such as change in free energy (DeltaG(0)), enthalpy (DeltaH(0)) and entropy (DeltaS(0)) were also determined. An examination of the thermodynamic parameters shows that the exchange of ammonium ion by clinoptilolite is a process occurring spontaneously and physical in nature at ambient conditions (25 degrees C). The process is also found to be exothermic. The results indicate that there is a significant potential for the natural Turkish clinoptilolite as an adsorbent material for ammonium removal from aqueous solutions.     

Removal mechanism of phosphate from aqueous solution by fly ash

This work studied the effectiveness of fly ash in removing phosphate from aqueous solution and its related removal mechanism. The adsorption and precipitation of phosphate by fly ash were investigated separately in order to evaluate their role in the removal of phosphate. Results showed that the removal of phosphate by fly ash was rapid. The removal percentage of phosphate in the first 5min reached 68-96% of the maximum removal of phosphate by fly ash. The removal processes of phosphate by fly ash included a fast and large removal representing precipitation, then a slower and longer removal due to adsorption. The adsorption of phosphate on fly ash could be described well by Freundlich isotherm equation. The pH and Ca2+ concentration of fly ash suspension were decreased with the addition of phosphate, which suggests that calcium phosphate precipitation is a major mechanism of the phosphate removal. Comparison of the relative contribution of the adsorption and precipitation to the total removal of phosphate by fly ash showed that the adsorption accounted for 30-34% of the total removal of phosphate, depending on the content of CaO in fly ash. XRD patterns of the fly ash before and after phosphate adsorption revealed that phosphate salt (CaHPO4 x 2H2O) was formed in the adsorption process. Therefore, the removal of phosphate by fly ash can be attributed to the formation of phosphate precipitation as a brushite and the adsorption on hydroxylated oxides. The results suggested that the use of fly ash could be a promising solution to the removal of phosphate in the wastewater treatment and pollution control.     

Preparation of porous yttrium oxide microparticles by gelation of ammonium alginate in aqueous solution containing yttrium ions

Porous Y₂O₃ microparticles 500 μm in size were obtained, when 1 wt%-ammonium alginate aqueous solution was dropped into 0.5 M-YCl₃ aqueous solution by a Pasteur pipette and the resultant gel microparticles were heat-treated at 1100°C. Small pores less than 1 μm were formed in the microparticles by the heat treatment. The bulk density of the heat-treated microparticle was as low as 0.66 g cm^?3. The chemical durability of the heat-treated microparticles in simulated body fluid at pH = 6 and 7 was high enough for clinical application of in situ radiotherapy. Although the size of the microparticles should be decreased to around 25 μm using atomizing device such as spray gun for clinical application, we found that the porous Y₂O₃ microparticles with high chemical durability and low density can be obtained by utilizing gelation of ammonium alginate in YCl₃ aqueous solution in this study.     

Biosorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution by red macroalgae

Biosorption is an effective process for the removal and recovery of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The biomass of marine algae has been reported to have high biosorption capacities for a number of heavy metal ions. In this study, four species of red seaweeds Corallina mediterranea, Galaxaura oblongata, Jania rubens and Pterocladia capillacea were examined to remove Co(II), Cd(II), Cr(III) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. The experimental parameters that affect the biosorption process such as pH, contact time and biomass dosage were studied. The maximum biosorption capacity of metal ions was 105.2mg/g at biomass dosage 10 g/L, pH 5 and contact time 60 min. The biosorption efficiency of algal biomass for the removal of heavy metal ions from industrial wastewater was evaluated for two successive cycles. Galaxaura oblongata biomass was relatively more efficient to remove metal ions with mean biosorption efficiency of 84%. This study demonstrated that these seaweeds constitute a promising, efficient, cheap and biodegradable sorbent biomaterial for lowering the heavy metal pollution in the environment.     

Utilization of ball clay adsorbents for the removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution

In this work, an attempt has been made to find the adsorption characteristics of crystal violet (CV) dye on calcined and uncalcined ball clay using batch adsorption technique. The ball clay adsorbents are characterized using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The influence of pH and temperature on the adsorption of CV dye is examined. The experimental results of adsorption isotherms are fitted with Langmuir, Freundlich, and Redlich–Perterson models. Adsorption mechanisms of the CV dye on both the ball clays are investigated using thermodynamic parameters and analytical techniques. The results indicate that the Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson models are found to be the more appropriate model to explain the adsorption of CV dye on ball clays than that of Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity of the calcined and uncalcined ball clay is found to be 1.6 × 10⁻⁴ and 1.9 × 10⁻⁴ mol g⁻¹, respectively. The lower adsorption capacity of the calcined ball clay is due to the reduction in the surface hydroxyl group and surface area. Adsorption capacity and percentage removal of the CV dye on calcined and uncalcined ball clay increase with an increase in the temperature and pH, respectively. The obtained negative ΔG ⁰ values indicate that the adsorption of CV dye on ball clay is feasible and spontaneous in nature at temperatures studied. The energy supplied for calcining the ball clay did not bring any improvement in the adsorption capacity. Rather, a reduction in the adsorption capacity of the CV dye on calcined ball clay suggests that the uncalcined ball clay would be more economic and efficient adsorbent for the removal of CV dye than the calcined ball clay. In conclusion, uncalcined ball clay could be used as a low cost alternate for the expensive activated carbon.     

Electrochemical removal of indium ions from aqueous solution using iron electrodes

The removal of indium ions from aqueous solution was carried out by electrocoagulation in batch mode using an iron electrode. Various operating parameters that could potentially affect the removal efficiency were investigated, including the current density, pH variation, supporting electrolyte, initial concentration, and temperature. The optimum current density, supporting electrolyte concentration, and temperature were found to be 6.4 mA/cm², 0.003N NaCl, and 298 K, respectively. When the pH values lower than 6.1, the removal efficiencies of indium ions via electrocoagulation were up to 5 times greater than those by adding sodium hydroxide. The indium ion removal efficiency decreased with an increase in the initial concentration. Results for the indium ion removal kinetics at various current densities show that the kinetic rates conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with good correlation. The experimental data were also tested against different adsorption isotherm models for describing the electrocoagulation process. The adsorption of indium ions preferably fitting the Langmuir adsorption isotherm suggests monolayer coverage of adsorbed molecules.     

Magnetite nanoparticles as adsorbent material for Cu2+ ions from aqueous solution

Cu²⁺ ions can cause serious injuries to human health, at both high and low concentrations. Therefore, it is important not only to remove Cu²⁺ ions from aqueous media, but also to develop analytical methods for their accurate determination at low concentrations. Magnetite is one of the most used sorbents for Cu²⁺ removal. This work aims at synthesizing magnetite nanoparticles and at evaluating their adsorption capacity toward Cu²⁺ ions in aqueous solution by means of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by means of a vibrational magnetometer, Fourier transformer infrared spectrum (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Magnetic nanoparticles showed Ms values of 52 and 62?emu/g. By taking into consideration the precipitation of Cu(OH)₂ as a function of pH in the evaluation of the adsorption capacity of magnetite, we found that the maximum Cu²⁺ adsorption occurs at pH?=?7 and that the adsorption equilibrium of the two samples is reached at 490 and 445?min. The use of blank solution avoids the overestimation of the adsorption capacity due to the presence of insoluble Cu(OH)₂. Finally, two models are considered as a liquid/solid phase reaction, pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order reaction. Batch adsorption kinetics agrees with a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting that chemisorption is the rate-limiting step.     

Nanocellulose fibers for biosorption of cadmium,nickel, and lead ions from aqueous solution

Nanocellulose fibers were prepared using physico-chemical treatment of rice straw, characterized and explored for the remediation of some toxic metals from wastewater. Nanocellulose fibers were found to have long rod-like elongated nano fibrillated morphology with average grain size 6 nm. The prepared nanocellulose fibers (0.5 g) in batch experiments showed removal efficiency of 9.7 mg/g Cd (II), 9.42 mg/g Pb(II), and 8.55 mg/g Ni (II) ions from 25 mg/l of metal solution. The sorption process fitted well to both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms [(R²) Cd (II): 0.92, 0.95; Pb(II): 0.94, 0.97 and Ni (II): 0.97, 0.98]. The regeneration studies signify that nanocellulose fibers can be successively used up to three cycles of regeneration. Nanotech reinforcement to native cellulose significantly enhanced metal removal efficiency compared to rice straw and cellulose fibers, provides new avenues as cost effective, environment-friendly green remediation or can be used as a pre-treatment step prior to chemical decontamination methods for toxic metals.     

The performance of steel-making slag concretes in the hardened state

The use of oxidizing slag from electric-arc furnaces as an aggregate is a sustainable option in the manufacture of concrete, the performance of which is similar to an ordinary aggregate concrete. This study examines the reuse of two different types of oxidizing slag in concretes designed for use in structural components and compares their performance against relevant specifications contained in current working standards. Fundamental aspects are discussed, among which density and workability that are related to the proportioning of the concrete and its mechanical and physical properties. The results show that overall concrete quality is maintained and that its performance is acceptable for the proposed application.     

Removal of fluoride ions from aqueous solution at low pH using schwertmannite

Wastewater containing fluoride requires polishing after precipitation/coagulation treatment in order to meet stringent environmental legislation. Accordingly, adsorption characteristics of fluoride onto schwertmannite adsorbent were studied in a batch system with respect to changes in initial concentration of fluoride, equilibrium pH of sample solution, adsorbent dosage and co-existing ions. Equilibrium adsorption data were obtained at 295.6, 303 and 313 K, and are interpreted in terms of two-site Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson, Tóth and Dubinin-Radushkevitch isotherm models. The experimental and equilibrium modeling results revealed that the capacity of schwertmannite for fluoride is high but insensitive to changes in solution temperature. An increase in equilibrium pH of sample solution reduced significantly the fluoride removal efficiency. In binary component systems, inner-sphere complex forming species had negative effects on fluoride adsorption while outer-sphere complex forming species improved slightly the fluoride removal efficiency. The schwertmannite adsorbent was regenerable and had the ability to lower the fluoride concentration to acceptable levels.     

Sorption behavior of nano-TiO2 for the removal of selenium ions from aqueous solution

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were employed for the sorption of selenium ions from aqueous solution. The process was studied in detail by varying the sorption time, pH, and temperature. The sorption was found to be fast, and to reach equilibrium basically within 5.0 min. The sorption has been optimized with respect to the pH, maximum sorption has been achieved from solution of pH 2–6. Sorbed Se(IV) and Se(VI) were desorbed with 2.0 mL 0.1 mol L⁻¹ NaOH. The kinetics and thermodynamics of the sorption of Se(IV) onto Nano-TiO₂ have been studied. The kinetic experimental data properly correlate with the second-order kinetic model (k₂ = 0.69 g mg⁻¹ min⁻¹, 293 K). The overall rate process appears to be influenced by both boundary layer diffusion and intraparticle diffusion. The sorption data could be well interpreted by the Langmuir sorption isotherm. The mean energy of adsorption (14.46 kJ mol⁻¹) was calculated from the Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) adsorption isotherm at room temperature. The thermodynamic parameters for the sorption were also determined, and the ΔH⁰ and ΔG⁰ values indicate exothermic behavior.     

Optimizing the dimensions of magnesium ammonium phosphate to maximize its ammonia uptake ability

Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MgNH₄PO₄·6H₂O:MAP) releases approximately 70% of its ammonia at a mild temperature of 378 K. The resultant material (magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MgHPO₄:MHP)-like material), which appears to be an amorphous phase, to remove ammonia from wastewater was investigated. Because the original size of MAP crystals was found to critically affect the kinetics of ammonia uptake by the corresponding MHP-like material, MAP with different sizes were synthesized by changing concentration, pH and temperature of the synthesis solution. The variation in the synthesis concentration was found to change the size of MAP as well as the aspect ratio of the long-axis to the short-axis. The rate of ammonia uptake depends primarily on the dimension of the short-axis of the corresponding MAP crystals. Furthermore, analysis of ammonia uptake using a method similar to the shrinking-core model shows approximately 0.5 μm from the surface is effectively used for ammonia uptake over a period of a realistic process time. Thus, the results suggest it is crucial to synthesize small MAP crystals with the size of short-axis less than 1 μm. Our results also show that small MAP crystals can be used at least four times repeatedly for ammonia uptake.     

Removal of ammonium ion from aqueous solution by natural Turkish (Yildizeli) zeolite for environmental quality

The purposes of this study were to investigate the removal efficiency of ammonium (NH(4)(+)) ion from aqueous solution using the natural Turkish (Yildizeli) zeolite and to characterize equilibrium isotherms. Experiments were carried out using batch method as a function of the solution pH, shaking time, dosage of adsorbent, and temperature. All these factors affected NH(4)(+) ion removal from aqueous solution. Equilibrium modelling data were fitted to linear Langmuir and Freundlich models. Dubinin-Redushckevich (D-R) isotherm was applied to describe the nature of ion exchange of NH(4)(+) and found that it occurred physically. Thermodynamics parameters such as change in free energy (DeltaG degrees ), enthalpy (DeltaH degrees ) and entropy (DeltaS degrees ) were also calculated. These parameters confirmed that ion exchange of NH(4)(+) by the zeolite was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic in nature. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the natural Turkish (Yildizeli) zeolite is suitable for the removal of NH(4)(+) ions in wastewater treatments and agricultural purposes to in terms of sustainability of environmental quality.     

Removal of Co ions from aqueous solution by cation exchange sorption onto NiO

Batch adsorption technique was used to study the adsorption of cobalt on NiO. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of pH, concentration and temperature on the ion exchange removal of Co²⁺ from aqueous solution by the NiO surface. We used Langmuir model to interpret the adsorption data. The Kurbatov-type plots were tested to determine the adsorption mechanism. The kinetics of Co²⁺ adsorption on NiO was best described by film diffusion model. A well-known thermodynamic equation was used to assess the enthalpy and entropy of the system. The thermodynamic data were indicative of the spontaneous nature of the endothermic sorption process of Co²⁺ onto the NiO.