REMOVAL OF TOXIC Pb2+ IONS BY SYNTHETIC HYDROXYAPATITES

The removal behavior of toxic Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous and nonaqueous solutions by two synthetic hydroxyapatites (S-1 and S-2) has been investigated by using both batch and column methods.

It was found that Pb²⁺ ions in the both solutions were easily removed to the apatite samples mainly by cation-exchange reactions between the Pb²⁺ ions in the solutions and Ca²⁺ ions of the samples at room temperature. Further, in the system of aqueous PbF₂ solutions, anion-exchange reactions between F^? ions in the solutions and OH ^? ions of the samples occurred simultaneously and the liberated OH ^? and Ca²⁺ ions influenced removal behavior of Pb²⁺ and F^? ions. The maximum removal amount of Pb²⁺ ions from the aqueous solutions was 400?mg per g of S-1. Pb^? ions in the waste water from lead plating factories were completely removed to the apatite samples. In this manner, it was found that the apatites, especially S-1 can be employed as a new removal agent for the treatment of poisonous Pb²⁺ ions in waste water.