Removal of boron from aqueous solution using calcined magnesite tailing

The present work was undertaken to explore the effectiveness of using calcined magnesite tailing for removal of boron ions from aqueous solutions. The effects of calcination temperature, initial pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and temperature on boron removal were studied. The optimum calcination temperature was 600 °C and the optimum pH was 6.0. The contact time was about 420 min to reach adsorption equilibrium. The experimental data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The Langmuir isotherm model was found to describe adequately the adsorption process. Pseudo first order kinetic model, pseudo second order kinetic model and intraparticle diffusion model were used to describe kinetic of boron adsorption onto calcined magnesite tailing. The experimental data fitted very well the pseudo second order kinetic model. The boron adsorption was determined to be endothermic in nature and thermodynamically favorable. The results showed that calcined magnesite tailing is a suitable adsorbent for the removal of boron from aqueous solutions.

► We investigated the effectiveness of using calcined magnesite tailing for removal of boron from aqueous solution. High boron adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. Suitable adsorbent for the removal of boron from aqueous solutions.