Removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto clayey soil of Indian origin: Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic profile

The feasibility of applying natural, untreated clayey soil as low-cost alternative adsorbent for Pb(II) removal from aqueous solutions was investigated with a batch experimental set-up. Experiments were carried out as a function of initial solution pH (1?C8), contact time (10?C360 min), initial Pb(II) concentration (20?C100 mg L^?1), adsorbent dose (0.5?C5 g) and temperature (303?C333 K). Adsorption equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm with maximum adsorption capacity of 121.86 mg g^?1 at 303 K. Adsorption of Pb(II) followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Gibbs free energy (??G⁰) was spontaneous for all interactions, and the adsorption process exhibited exothermic enthalpy values. The adsorbent was easily regenerated by using 0.1M HNO₃ solution and was reused for five sorptiondesorption cycles without any considerable loss in adsorption capacity. It could be concluded that clayey soil may be used as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent without any treatment or any other modification for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions.