Algerian natural montmorillonites for arsenic(III) removal in aqueous solution

The adsorption of As(III) from aqueous solutions using naturally occurring and modified Algerian montmorillonites has been investigated as a function of contact time, pH, and temperature. Kinetic studies reveal that uptake of As(III) ions is rapid within the first 3 h, and it slows down thereafter. Equilibrium studies show that As(III) shows the highest affinity toward acidic montmorillonite even at very low concentration of arsenic. The kinetics of As(III) adsorption on all montmorillonites used is well described by a pseudo-second-order chemical reaction model, which indicates that the adsorption process of these species is likely to be chemisorption. Adsorption isotherms of As(III) fitted the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models well. The adsorption of As(III) is pH-dependent obtaining an optimal adsorption at pH 5. From the thermodynamic parameters, it is concluded that the process is exothermic, spontaneous, and favorable. The results suggest that M1, M2, and acidic-M2 could be used as low-cost and effective filtering materials for removal of arsenic from water.

This work has been financed by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad and FEDER (project MAT2010-15273). The National Agency for the Development of University Research (CRSTRA), the Directorate General of Scientific Research and Technological Development (DGRSDT) of Algeria.