In this research we developed a new adsorbent for immobilization of heavy metals in soils and sludge. The most efficient adsorbent was prepared by grafting of a chelating ligand on the surface of a pillared montmorillonite. Laboratory studies were conducted with simulated contaminated soil made of kaolin containing 10-20 ppm of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn or Fe with or without the adsorbent. For a study of selectivity of the adsorbent to heavy metals, experiments with kaolin containing all five contaminants were carried out. The ability of the adsorbent to bind metal ions was tested in neutral media (deionized water) and in 50% acetic acid. The eluent passed through the experimental and control clay samples, and the concentrations of metal ions in leachates were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The experiments demonstrated high efficiency of the adsorbent. Its addition to kaolin significantly reduced contents of heavy metals in leachates.

Immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soils and sludge using pillared organoclay

245th National Meeting (2013)

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