Use of argillaceous materials containing sediments of dam in the retention of heavy metals

The interaction of heavy metals like Fe (II), and Cu (II) ions from aqueous solutions is studied using sediments of dam activated by impregnation with ammonium chloride (VNE) and thermally activated at 300°C (V300). This study of retention of two metals allowed us to notice shows that: the rate of retention of metals using "V300" (thermal activation) is better then using "VNE". The retention of metals is governed by the model of adsorption of Langmuir for iron and of Freundlich for copper. Because of high surface area per unit area, activated mud is the most effective adsorbent and exhibits high capacity of adsorption of iron and copper. Mud of dam activated by impregnation with ammonium chloride (VNE) and thermally activated at 300°C has a considerable potential for the removal of heavy metal cationic species from aqueous solution