Removal of Lead Ions from Aqueous Solution by Sorptive-Flotation Using Limestone and Oleic Acid

A simple, rapid and economic procedure was presented to remove lead(II) from aqueous solution under the optimized conditions. It is based on the sorption of Pb۲+ ions from aqueous solutions onto limestone fines (LS), which is an inexpensive and widespread over the globe, followed by flotation with oleic acid (HOL) surfactant. The different parameters (namely: solution pH, sorbent, surfactant and lead concentrations, shaking times, ionic strength, temperature and the presence of foreign ions) influencing the sorptive-flotation process were examined. Nearly, ۹۹% of Pb۲+ ions were removed from aqueous solutions at pH ۷ after shaking for ۵ min and at room temperature (~۲۵ oC). The procedure was successfully applied to recover lead(II) spiked to some natural water samples. A mechanism for sorption and flotation is suggested.

کلیدواژه ها:

Lead ، Sorptive-flotation ، Limestone ، oleic acid