REMOVAL OF CADMIUM THROUGH CERAMIC ADSORBENTS PACKED IN FIXED BED COLUMNS

Abstract

The removal of cadmium ions (Cd2⁺) was evaluated from an aqueous solution on White
Cancun and Red Tezontle quarry, using a fraction >2000 ?m, at 23 °C under dynamic
conditions in a packed bed. The percentage of cadmium extraction was studied through
adsorption kinetics, and with this the total adsorption capacity and the shelf life of the
sorption column were calculated. A volumetric flow rate of 0.3 ml s^-1 and an initial
concentration of 861.75 mg L^-1 were used, and an initial concentration of 83.2
mg L^-1, at pH of 7.5. The White Cancun quarry reports a maximum extraction
percentage (% E) of 99.59 at the first minute of contact, compared to the tezontle
that reports %E>83.78 at the same time. However, the total adsorption capacity
was 3.60 mg and 6.62 mg, respectively. The period of service life of the column
suggests using tezontle as adsorbent.