Effect of Physical Properties and Cation Exchange Capacity on Sorption of Heavy Metals onto Peats

Studies were enacted to evaluate the sorption of heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr super(2+), Cu sub(2+), Cd super(2+), and Zn super(2+)) onto peats of predetermined type, sort, and kind. Sorption behavior was analyzed as a function of the physical and chemical properties of the peat samples. The study effort also sought to determine levels of adsorbent-adsorbate binding stability. The best sorption characteristics were identified for low-moor peats, including Humus Peat and Rush Peat. Both of these peats are charcterized by high rates of decomposition. Chromium ions exhibited the highest level of chemical affinity for sorption sites. These ions were bound onto organic matter in insoluble forms. The lowest level of chemical affinity to sorption sites were found for zinc and cadmium ions.