Removal of heavy metal ions from textile effluents using burnt brick particles

Abstract

Burnt brick-particle packed columns have a strong ability for removal of heavy metal ions including Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb from aqueous solution. Higher removal efficiencies of Fe, Co, Cu, Cd and Pb from mixtures of metal ions suggest the preferential speciation/adsorption ability of these metals over Cr, Mi and Zn. This methodology can be successfully applied for treatment of textile effluents, and consequently, the amount of heavy metals after treatment falls well below the tolerance limits. Environmental friendliness, readily availability and low cost are other attractive features of these columns.