Highly efficient removal of As(III), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) in aqueous solution using thermal desorption residue from oil sludge contaminated soil: Performance and mechanism

The thermal adsorption residue (TDR) from oil sludge co-contaminated soil was employed to remove As(III), Zn (II), Cu(II), Cd(II) in aqueous solution. The results showed that the TDR could efficiently neutralize the acid and adapt to the extensive pH. The adsorption of four heavy metals on TDR could be divided into three stages. The maximum adsorption capacity were 86.59, 249.07, 339.88, 322.86 mg.g? 1 for As(III), Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), respectively. The coexistence of Zn(II)/Cu(II)/Cd(II) could promote As(III) removal but As(III) led to decreasing of Zn(II)/Cu(II)/Cd(II) adsorption capacity in binary system. There was a significant competitive adsorption on TDR among the three cations which followed the selectivity sequence of Cu(II)> Zn(II)> Cd(II). The SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR and XPS analyses demonstrated that the As(III) was removed via formation of Ca-As precipitation, and the Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) were removed through precipitating as hydroxides/carbonates/silicates combining with ion exchange. Specially, the Cu(II) mainly precipitated in the form of Cu4(SO4)(OH)6.2H2O and Cu4(OH)6SO4 under sulfuric acid solution environment. Overall, this study indicates the potential of TDR as a cost-effective adsorbent in acid heavy metals contaminated wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

The thermal adsorption residue (TDR) derived from oil sludge co-contaminated soil was found to effectively neutralize acid substances and adapt to a wide pH range. It demonstrated high adsorption capacities for four heavy metals, namely As(III), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II). There was a competitive adsorption among the three cations on TDR, and the presence of As(III) lowered the adsorption capacity of Zn(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II).