A novel magnetic sepiolite/Fe2O3 composite for adsorptive removal of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions

Abstract Clay minerals are effective adsorbents used for the remediation of toxic heavy metals from wastewater due to their large surface areas and great cation-exchange capacities. In this study, removal lead ions aqueous solutions via adsorption was investigated using raw iron-modified Turkish sepiolite. The aim study examine effects modification environmental conditions on sorptive properties sepiolite samples. Initially, (Sep) magnetic sepiolite/Fe 2 O 3 composite (MagSep) prepared co-precipitation method were characterized mineralogical petrographical means physicochemical determined. Then, batch (Pb 2+ ) samples examined under various (solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial Pb ion concentration, temperature, shaking rate). capacity MagSep found be greater than that Sep all experimental conditions. results showed process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Langmuir isotherm best correlated with data. maximum capacities 60.6 90.1 mg g –1 MagSep, respectively. characterization Pb-adsorbed formed covalent bonds attached mainly through exchange. can efficiently in field treatment as it does not release any pollutants separated easily use field.