The removal of heavy metal ions from spiked aqueous solutions using solid wastes—Comparison of sorption capability

The removal of heavy metal ions from spiked aqueous solutions using solid wastes was explored in this work. The sorption capabilities of the sorption agents were compared and evaluation of an agent to replace activated carbon was performed. Experimental results indicated that rice hull ash was effective for sorbing Cd ion; all the solid wastes employed, for removing Cr ion; activated carbon and BF slag for uptaking Cu ion; activated carbon and rice hull ash, for removing Pb ion; activated carbon, activated clay, BF slag and rice hull ash, for abating Ni ion. Rice hull ash was found to be an alternative sorption agent to substitute costly activated carbon for abatement of heavy metal pollution in wastewater.