Heavy metals removal from groundwater: A review based on cost estimation of various adsorbents

This paper presents the presence of various heavy metals found in several states of India and focuses on the removal of these heavy metals by using the simplest and cost-effective methods such as adsorption and ion-exchange by utilizing very low-cost adsorbents that are easily available in the country. The maximum effectiveness of different adsorbents, their kinetics, optimum conditions like contact time, pH and temperature with their mechanisms in their treatment with various heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, nickel, lead and zinc among others are explained. Comparison of different adsorbents based on their preparation, effectiveness and cost is also made.