Conversion of natural phosphate rock into mesoporous hydroxyapatite for heavy metals removal from aqueous solution

A macroporous natural phosphate rock and its converted mesoporous hydroxyapatite material were evaluated for heavy metal (Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) remediation. The modified phosphate was found to show better sorption capacities than natural rock, due to its larger specific surface area. However, the presence of organic matter within the natural phosphate influences its affinity for the different metal ions, suggesting that this sorbent may find applications for the removal of specific elements.