Adsorption behaviors of Cd2+ on Fe2O3/MnO2 and the effects of coexisting ions under alkaline conditions

This study describes the adsorption features of cadmium on Fe2O3 and MnO2 in alkaline saline conditions. The adsorption reached equilibrium in 6 hours under alkaline conditions. The absorption of cadmium on Fe2O3 and MnO2 was consistent with Freundlich absorption isotherms, and the corresponding adsorption capacities were 16. 3 and 16. 7 mg·g-1, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption quantity of cadmium on Fe2O3 and MnO2 rose with increasing pH from acidic to neutral, and reached the maximum at pH= 9. The coexisting chlorides reduced the adsorption capacity of Fe2O3 and MnO2. The influence intensities of different cations follow the order of CaCl2≫KCl>NaCl. However, the influence of sodium salts on the capacities of Fe2O3 and MnO2 to adsorb cadmium appeared more complicated: the relatively low concentrations of sodium salts could reduce the adsorption capacity; with increasing concentrations of sodium salts, e. g. NaCl and NaNO3. the adsorption capacity decreased continually. Moreover, due to the competition adsorption and precipitation effects, the adsorption capabilities of Na2CO3, NaH2PO4 and Na2HSO4 could also be reduced and cadmium concentrations in the solution were reduced as well. © 2010 Science Press, Institute of Geochemistry, CAS and Springer Berlin Heidelberg.