Batch adsorptive removal of copper ions in aqueous solutions by ion exchange resins: 1200H and IRN97H

The removal of copper from aqueous solution by ion exchange resins, such as 1200H and IRN97H, is described. Effect of initial metal ion concentration, agitation time and pH on adsorption capacities of ion exchange resins was investigated in a batch mode. The adsorption process, which is pH dependent, shows maximum removal of copper in the pH range 2-7 for an initial copper concentration of 10 mg/L. The experimental data have been analyzed by using the Freundlich, Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models. The batch sorption kinetics have been tested for a first-order, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic reaction models. The rate constants of adsorption for all these kinetic models have been calculated. Results showed that the intraparticle diffusion and initial sorption into resins of Cu(II) in the ion exchange resins was the main rate limiting step. The uptake of copper by the ion exchange resins was reversible and thus has good potential for the removal/recovery of copper from aqueous solutions. We conclude that such ion exchange resins can be used for the efficient removal of copper from water and wastewater.