Effect of surfactants on the adsorption behaviour of cerium (IV) phosphate, cation exchanger for alkaline earths and heavy metal ions

Cerium(IV) phosphate (CePf) has been synthesized as a fibrous ion exchange material. Its adsorption studies have been carried out for some alkaline earth and heavy metal ions in different acidic media. Effect of anionic (SDS, SDBS), cationic (CTAB, DPC) and nonionic (TX-100) surfactants has also been studied on the adsorption behaviour of CePf for the above metals. Micelles of anionic surfactants decrease the adsorption of heavy metals [except Hg(II)] on CePf while adsorption of alkaline earths remains constant. The micelles of cationic and nonionic surfactants, on the other hand, increase the adsorption of alkaline earths and heavy metals. These adsorption studies have been found helpful in the removal of the ionic pollutants from aqueous media effectively.