Removal of copper from aqueous solution by ion exchange resins

In this study the usability of ion exchanging resins is handled for the purpose of copper removal from aqueous solutions. The chosen resins were Dowex HCR S/S (strong cationic) and Dowex. Marathon C (strong cationic). During the removal process using the batch technique the effects of pH, dosage of the resin, concentration of copper and contact time were studied. The results showed that Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms are linear. From the Freundlich adsorption isotherm the capacity/intensity of copper adsorption on Dowex HCR S/S and Dowex Marathon C were calculated as 26.27 ing g(-1) / 2.14 and 46.55 mg g(-1) / 2.56, respectively. Derived from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, the copper equilibrium constant was calculated as 1.81 for Dowex HCR S/S and 4.71 for Dowex Marathon C. The separation factors and distribution coefficients of copper for Dowex HCR S/S and Dowex Marathon C were presented. It was observed that copper removal by ion exchange resins can be described by the first-order reversible kinetics. In this study it was clearly shown that ion exchange resins can be used for removal of copper from aqueous solutions.