Zinc(II) Adsorption by Low-Carbon Shungite: The Effect of pH

Shungite is a carbonaceous rock which is abundant in Karelia (Russian Federation). Large deposits of shungite with low levels of carbon (approx. 10% C) are also found in Kazakhstan, where it is mined under the trade name Taurit (Koksu Mining Company). Although Taurit has been reported to be used as an adsorbent for hazardous compounds in water treatment, there is very little precise data about its adsorption capacity or the compounds adsorbed. In this study, the ability of Taurit to adsorb Zn(II) was investigated and Freundlich isotherms were determined for both distilled water and tap water. Taurit was found to have a high buffer capacity leading to pH values > 7.0 in aqueous solution. Because dissolved zinc precipitates as Zn(OH)(2) under alkaline conditions, the pH must be carefully controlled and kept <= 7.0. Despite the small inner surface area (BET) of Taurit (13.4 m(2) g(-1)), Freundlich coefficients for distilled water (K-f = 2.4, n = 4.0) and tap water (K-f = 1.5, n = 2.5) were similar to other adsorbents. Our results indicate that Taurit could provide a cheap alternative to activated carbon since both substances have a similar adsorption capacity (at least for Zn(II)).