Competitive adsorption of Cd(II) and Zn(II) from aqueous solution onto activated carbon Article uri icon

abstract

  • Single and simultaneous Cd(II) and Zn(II) adsorption isotherms from aqueous solution onto activated carbon were determined experimentally. Single isotherms for these ions fit the Langmuir isotherm well, and the maximum molar uptake of Zn(II) averaged 1.6 times that of Cd(II). The simultaneous adsorption isotherms also fit the bisolute Langmuir isotherm modified with an interaction factor. Adsorption of each single ion was reduced by the presence of the other ion, which competed for some of the same active sites. The Zn(II) isotherm proved to be more sensitive to the presence of the competing ion than did the Cd(II) isotherm.

publication date

  • 2001-01-01