Testing of Breakthrough Curves for Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Natural Zeolite-Clinoptilolite According to the Clark Kinetic Equation

The kinetics of removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions using the column method with a fixed bed of natural zeolite clinoptilolite has been examined. Experimental results are presented as breakthrough curves, and tested according to the kinetic equation developed by Clark by means of the linear and non-linear regression analysis. Both mathematical methods attain the same values for parameters A and r of the Clark equation. These parameters are used for the calculation of the sorption rate coefficient k and the removal capacity q. The removal capacity obtained from the experimental results and the capacity calculated using the Clark kinetic equation have shown excellent agreement. The Clark kinetic equation has been found suitable for description of removal of lead on zeolite for different experimental conditions. Based on the calculated parameters, the theoretical breakthrough curves have been plotted and compared with the experimental ones. Applicability of the kinetic equation used has been additionally confirmed by the good fit of experimental and modelled breakthrough curves. Based on the parameters calculated, the behavior of modelled breakthrough curves was predicted for different depths of fixed bed of zeolite.