The removal of some rare earth elements from their aqueous solutions on by-pass cement dust (BCD)

► Cement kiln dust (BCD) is an abundant and cheap waste that can be used to remove dangerous elements from aqueous solution. ► It can be used as an efficient sorbent for some rare earth elements (Y3+, Nd3+, Gd3+, Sm3+ and Lu3+). ► The sorption of these elements follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. ► The sorption process is favorable and spontaneous.