Dolomite as a potential adsorbent in water treatment: pH, turbidity and Pb (II) removal studies

• Main Authors: Jamil, N. A., Patah, M. F. A., Junaidi, M. U. M., Jan, B. M., Zuki, F. M., Tan, C. K., Nor, M. I. M., Hashim, N. H.
• Format: Article
• Published: Springer 2024
• Subjects: TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/45947/; https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-023-05375-w

The adsorption process for the removal of Pb2+ in the water sample was conducted using raw and calcined dolomite that was charred at 750 celcius. From the literature, dolomite showed good adsorption capability for metal ions from the water. A lake water sample from Tasik Varsiti, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, was utilised to create a simulated Pb2+ solution in which lead (II) nitrate was added. In this work, the batch adsorption method was employed. With the use of inductively coupled plasma analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy, the physico-chemical characteristics of the sorbent were identified. By adjusting the pH, retention durations, and stirring rates, the sorption properties of unmodified and modified dolomite for Pb2+ were investigated. At various operating settings, improvements in water quality in terms of turbidity and pH alterations were also investigated. Improvement in water quality in terms of turbidity and pH changes were also studied at different operating conditions. Calcined dolomite has an overall higher sorption capability compared to raw dolomite at all different operating conditions. The highest removal efficiency of Pb2+ for raw dolomite was observed at pH 7-9, retention time after 60 min and stirring speed of 500 rpm. Dolomite that was calcined at 750 celcius has the highest removal efficiency of 99.95% at pH 7-9, retention time after 30 min and without any stirring speed (0 rpm).