Application of mathematical empirical models to dynamic removal of lead on natural zeolite clinoptilolite in a fixed bed column

This study examined the applicability of the mathematical empirical models by Bohart-Adams, Wolborska, Thomas and Yoon-Nelson on lead removal from aqueous solutions on a fixed bed of natural zeolite. Applicability of these models has been evaluated by fitting the experimental breakthrough curves with the curves obtained from the applied model. Experimental results have shown that the values of removal capacities calculated from model are close to the value of the experimentally obtained capacity at the exhaustion point. The Thomas and Yoon-Nelson models have shown excellent fit for all examined range of the breakthrough curves; therefore these models have been used for simulation of breakthrough curves for different bed depths and flow rates. The results show that the successful prediction is achieved when the empty bed contact time (EBCT) was in the experimentally confirmable range. Among all examined models, the Thomas model was found to be the most suitable one for simulation of the breakthrough curve of lead uptake on fixed bed of natural zeolite in a wide range of EBCT values.