Adsorptive removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution using nano-sized hydroxyapatite

This study investigated the sorption of Pb(II) in aqueous solution onto hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces. Batch experiments were carried out using synthetic HA. The effect of contact time, HA dosage, and initial pH on removal efficiency were also investigated. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of Pb(II) on this adsorbent were then examined at 25 °C. Kinetic data were analyzed by pseudo first, second, and intra-particle diffusion models. The sorption data were then correlated with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Halsey, and Harkins–Jura adsorption isotherm models. The optimum dose of HA for Pb(II) removal is found to be 0.12 g/l with the removal efficiency of 97.3 % at an equilibrium contact time of 1 h. It is found that the adsorption kinetics of the Pb(II) on HA follow the pseudo second-order reaction. All the isotherms fitted well for experimental data. Capacity of HA is found as 357.14 mg Pb(II)/g of HA. The Pb(II) immobilization mechanism was studied. The results indicated that HA can be used as an effective adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution.