REMOVAL OF ZINC, CADMIUM AND NICKEL FROM MINING WASTE LEACHATE USING WALNUT SHELLS

The removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using walnut shells was investigated. The effects of pH, contact time, initial metal concentration, adsorbent concentration, and co-ions were studied in synthetic solutions. Metal uptake was found to be dependent on the initial pH of the solution; the removal rate increased upon increasing pH, showing the highest affinity at pH 5–7. The amount of metal removed improved with increasing initial concentration. Increasing adsorbent dosage enhanced removal efficiency, but reduced the amount absorbed per unit mass of walnut shells. The presence of co-ions suppressed the uptake of heavy metals, divalent ions having a more negative effect than monovalent ions. The adsorption of Zn, Cd and Ni onto walnut shells was found to fit Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The results obtained in the tests with mining waste leachate showed the potential use of walnut shells for the removal of heavy metals.