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Polymeric ion exchanger supported ferric oxide nanoparticles as adsorbents for toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions and acid mine drainage

Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering volume 17, pages 719–730 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a worldwide industrial pollution of grave concern. AMD pollutes both water sources and the environment at large with dissolved toxic metals which are detrimental to human health. This paper reports on the preparation of polymeric ion exchange resins decorated with hydrated iron oxides and their application for the ecological removal of toxic metals ions from AMD.

Methods

The hydrated iron oxide particles were incorporated within commercial chelating ion exchange resins using the precipitation method. The synthesised hybrid resins were then characterized using appropriate spectroscopic and solid-state techniques. The metal ion levels were measured using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The optimization of contact time, pH, and adsorbent dosage were conducted to enhance the efficiency of adsorption of toxic metals onto the hybrid organic/inorganic nanosorbents. Kinetics and adsorption isotherms were constructed to study the adsorption mechanisms of the adsorbents.

Results

The results showed that the dispersed Fe-O is hydrated and amorphous within the hybrid materials. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order shown by the high R2 values. The hybrid adsorbents were finally tested on environmental AMD samples and were able to remove toxic metals Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn at various removal degrees.

Conclusion

Solution pH played a crucial role in the adsorption of toxic metals on hybrid iron oxide adsorbents. The hybrid TP-260 HFO had higher affinity for toxic metals than other prepared adsorbents thus has a potential for acidic mine water pollution remediation. The adsorbed Al(III) can be recovered using NaCl-NaOH binary solution from the loaded resins.

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Affiliations

  1. College of Science Engineering and Technology, Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, University of South Africa, The Science Campus, P/Bag X6 Roodepoort, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa

    Caroline Lomalungelo Dlamini, Lueta-Ann De Kock, Kebede Keterew Kefeni, Bhekie Brilliance Mamba & Titus Alfred Makudali Msagati

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  1. Caroline Lomalungelo Dlamini
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  2. Lueta-Ann De Kock
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  3. Kebede Keterew Kefeni
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  5. Titus Alfred Makudali Msagati
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Correspondence to Titus Alfred Makudali Msagati.

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Dlamini, C.L., De Kock, LA., Kefeni, K.K. et al. Polymeric ion exchanger supported ferric oxide nanoparticles as adsorbents for toxic metal ions from aqueous solutions and acid mine drainage. J Environ Health Sci Engineer 17, 719–730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-019-00388-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-019-00388-5

Keywords

  • Acid mine water
  • Adsorption
  • Hybrid chelating resin
  • Hydrated iron oxide
  • Toxic metal