Using Nanocomposites of Chitosan and Montmorillonite for Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewater

Common technologies for heavy metal removal are membrane separation, ion exchange, electro-deposition, and chemical precipitation. These methods prove to be costly and inept, especially in removing trace amounts of heavy metals [2]. Another disadvantage is the production of sludge or mud, which requires proper disposal and confi nement [3]. On the other hand, adsorption eff ectively removes contaminants in wastewater with high solute loadings and even at dilute concentrations (< 100mg/L). Use of natural adsorbents like peat, banana pith, rice hull and chitosan proves to be economical and eff ective in removing a variety of contaminants [2, 4].